Preparation of radiolabeled bioactive asbestos fibers

T. J. Tewson, M. P. Francsechini, R. K. Scheule, A. Holian

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have developed an efficient procedure to radiolabel asbestos fibers while retaining the bioactivity of the fibers. The fibers are labeled with 68Ge. The 68Ge decays into 68Ga, which then can be detected by its characteristic positron emission. Both chrysotile and crocidolite asbestos, a serpentine and an amphibole, respectively, were radiolabeled successfully. Mild reaction conditions and short reaction times were found under which ∼90% of the added 68Ge and 68Ga bound to the fibers. The radiolabel was retained even after washing the fibers extensively with physiologic buffers. The effects of the labeling on the bioactivity of the fibers were evaluated in an in vitro assay using guinea pig alveolar macrophages as a target cell. Labeled chrysotile fibers were found to retain >95% of their ability to stimulate these cells. The labeling procedure described in this study should be useful in preparing labeled fibers to investigate both in vitro and in vivo phenomena.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)499-502
Number of pages4
JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Applications and Instrumentation. Part
Volume42
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1991

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