Tc-99m and Re-186 complexes of tetraphosphonate ligands and their biodistribution pattern in animal models

The syntheses of four alpha-aminomethyl phosphonates and their complexation studies with (99m)Tc and (186/188)Re are reported. Complexation conditions were standardized to give maximum yields, which ranged from 90-97%. The yields of complexation were estimated by paper chromatography. The (99m)Tc complexes were stable for more than 4 h, while the (186/188)Re complexes were stable for 3-8 days when stored at 4 degrees C. Biodistribution of these complexes in Wistar rats were carried out, and the uptake in bone and other soft tissue are detailed. Bone uptake of the (99m)Tc complexes varied from 40-60% at 30 min postinjection depending on the ligands. The uptake in soft tissue was minimum with all the complexes. A comparison of the biodistribution studies of the (99m)Tc complexes with that of the well-established radiopharmaceutical (99m)Tc-MDP was carried out for the purpose of evaluating the efficacy of the radiopharmaceutical preparation with the complexes of these ligands. The bone uptake of the (186/188)Re complexes varied from 19-28% corresponding to 1.6-3% per g at 3 h postinjection. The residual activity in both (99m)Tc and (186/188)Re complexes showed renal clearance.     

186Re-1,4,8,11-tetraaza cyclotetradecyl-1,4,8,11-tetramethylene phosphonic acid: a novel agent for possible use in metastatic bone-pain palliation

In connection with our work on the development of 186Re-tetra-phosphonates with optimum properties for use in bone pain palliation, a novel cyclic tetraphosphonate derivative, has been synthesized, complexed with 186Re and evaluated with promising results. The ligand, which consists of a cyclic array of tetra-aminomethylphosphonate groups, was synthesized using orthophosphorus acid, 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane and formaldehyde. The labeling conditions with 186Re have been standardized under varying reaction conditions to give maximum yield. In a reaction volume of 1 mL, maximum complexation yield of 98% was observed at pH 2 using 0.1 mg Re (37-370 MBq) for a ligand concentration at 9 x 10(-2) M/L, under heating at 100 degrees C for 30 min with 2 mg of stannous chloride. The complex was found to be stable for 6 days with RC purity remaining approximately 97%. The complex was characterized by paper chromatography in saline and acetone, wherein the R(f) exhibited were 0.9 and 0, respectively. Biodistribution studies of the complex were performed in male Wistar rats. Activity in femur which was observed to be 1.8%/g (equivalent to about 23% of the injected activity in skeleton) at 3 h post injection remained almost constant up to 48 h. Minimum activity was observed in blood and other soft tissues. The complex showed major renal clearance. Scintigraphic images in rabbits after injecting 70-100 MBq of 186Re-CTMP and using a dual head gamma camera were observed to be superior to 186Re-HEDP, prepared by a procedure standardized by us. Insignificant activity was observed in other vital organs. The results suggest the suitability of the complex for further evaluation in higher animals for bone pain palliation.     

Protection from phenytoin-induced cognitive deficit by Bacopa monniera, a reputed Indian nootropic plant

Many epileptic patients suffer from cognitive impairments; both the underlying pathology and antiepileptic drug therapy can cause such deficits. Phenytoin, one of the widely used anticonvulsants, is known to adversely affect cognitive function. A reputed Indian nootropic plant Bacopa monniera (BM) was evaluated alone and in combination with phenytoin for its effect on (a) passive-avoidance (PA) task; (b) maximal electroshock seizures; and (c) locomotor activity in mice. Phenytoin (PHT, 25 mg/kg po x 14 days) adversely affected cognitive function in the PA task. BM extract (40 mg/kg x 7 days), given along with phenytoin in the second week of the two-week regimen, significantly reversed PHT-induced impairment. Both acquisition and retention of memory showed improvement without affecting its anticonvulsant activity. The observed cognitive effects of PHT and BM were found to be independent of motor stimulation. The results provide evidence for potential corrective effect of BM in cognitive deficit associated with PHT therapy.     

Distended oesophagus as a cause of bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy

We report an unusual case of bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy caused by gross oesophageal distension due to achalasia.     

Role of epidermal cell thymocyte-activating factor in the proliferation and differentiation of murine B cells

The role of antigen nonspecific cytokines in T- and B-lymphocyte responses is now well established. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been shown to augment B-cell maturation and proliferation. While the major source of IL-1 is from monocytes or macrophages, other cell types have been shown to produce IL-1-like cytokines. Epidermal cells produce a cytokine termed "epidermal cell-derived thymocyte-activating factor" (ETAF) which is similar if not identical with monocyte-derived IL-1. In this report we show that ETAF induces polyclonal stimulation of murine B cells. We show that ETAF augments B cell proliferation and differentiation in the absence of any added antigens or mitogens. This activity can be partially inhibited by anti-IL-1 antibodies. ETAF appears to activate B cells directly, although its activity is increased in the presence of T cells. Thus, ETAF may be involved in local polyclonal antibody responses occurring in the skin.     

Leucocyte migration inhibition test in human Plasmodium vivax malaria

Specific antigen-induced T-lymphocyte response in human P. vivax malaria has been studied by a leucocyte migration inhibition test. The test was performed in four groups: (1) American/European controls; (2) Indians with acute P. vivax malaria; (3) immune Indians with no clinical attacks of malaria for 5 years; and (4) Indians with chronic infection. Group 3 showed significantly high inhibition as compared to group 1 (P less than 0.001) and group 2 (P less than 0.01). There was however no significant difference between the 'immune' and 'chronic' groups. Indirect haemagglutinating antibodies were also monitored in the test sera and there was an inverse correlation (r = -0.613; P less than 0.01) between IHA antibodies in serum and percentage leucocyte migration inhibition.     

Thyroid Metastasis in Maxillary Antrum

A case of secondary thyroid deposit in the maxillary antrum is presented.