Old tracer for a new purpose: potential role for 99mTc-2-Methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) in renal transplant care.

Aim: Calcineurin inhibitors are substrates for P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the expression of which is associated with ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism. Individual P-gp response to calcineurin inhibitor may be linked to nephrotoxicity or rejection. Tc-2-Methoxyisobutylisonitrile (Tc-MIBI) is also a P-gp substrate. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine Tc-MIBI organ kinetics and compare them with ABCB1 genotype with a view to replacing Tc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (Tc-MAG3) with Tc-MIBI in renal transplant care.

Methods: Thirty prospective donors (13 male) were imaged for 20 min after administration of Tc-MIBI (400 MBq) intravenously. Posterior images of the abdomen were acquired at 30 and 120 min. Organ 30 min/peak count rate ratios and exponential two-point (30-120 min) rate constants (k, min) were calculated. Nineteen donors were genotyped for C3435T (exon 26), G2677T (exon 21), C1236T (exon 12), and G1199A (exon 11) ABCB1 polymorphisms using a PCR-based technique.

Results: Tc-MIBI and Tc-MAG3 gave similar perfusion images. Although their patterns of renal elimination were different, differential renal function was not significantly different. There was a negative trend between the hepatic 30 min/peak ratio and C3435T genotype (CC: 0.8374 ± 0.0502; TC: 0.6806 ± 0.1300; TT: 0.6919 ± 0.1506; P=0.083). Renal k showed a negative trend with C3435T (CC: 0.0021 ± 0.0020; TC: 0.0037 ± 0.0013; TT: 0.0040 ± 0.0012 min; P=0.087) but with no other genotypes. There were no significant sex-related differences in Tc-MIBI kinetics.

Conclusion: Tc-MIBI can replace Tc-MAG3 for pretransplant workup. The ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism may influence Tc-MIBI kinetics and thus have a role in renal transplant care. Further prospective trials are required to establish the full potential of Tc-MIBI in renal transplant management.