Studies on the Disposition of Technetium-99m Labeled Foot-and-mouth Disease Vaccine in Guinea Pigs

Abstract

Background: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a widespread and contagious disease affecting various animal species. The effectiveness of control tools is impeded by the high costs associated with animal experimentation, an incomplete understanding of host immune systems and a scarcity of immunological reagents. 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals, known for their versatile chemistry, play a crucial role in preclinical research and drug development. The objective of the present study was to develop nuclear medicine-enabled strategies for custom designing and uplifting engineered vaccines, specifically nanoparticle vaccines, in guinea pigs. Methods: In the present study, we elucidate the technique used for direct radiolabelling of the FMD vaccine and its subsequent distribution within guinea pigs. The study involved the evaluation of 99mTc-radiolabeling and quality control, as well as the disposition of the 99mTc-FMD vaccine in guinea pigs. Result: Radiolabelling and stability studies showed 95.00% efficiency and 92.93% stability. The study demonstrated that the 99mTc-FMD vaccine showed increased uptake and delayed clearance from lymphoid organs, particularly the spleen and prescapular lymph node, compared to plain 99mTc.