Feasibility of _99mTc-phytate as a lower lymphoscintigraphic agent in dogs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate availabilities of nuclear medicine images that could replace lower lymphangiography using conventional radio-pharmaceutical. Six beagles were performed lymphoscintigraphy after injected with 300 microcurie of _99mTc-phytate in 0.2ml, widely used in human medicine subcutaneously on 1st and 2nd interdigital space each of hind legs. To get images of popliteal lymph node, inguinal lymph node, iliac lymph node and thoracic duct, animals were laid supine beneath a gamma camera, and images at 0, 30, 60 and 120 min were obtained. The uptake rate of popliteal lymph node, bladder, and liver was measured in acquisitioned image. In this study, the image of popliteal lymph node is simply like that of a human, but it was not available for other lymph nodes above popliteal lymph node. Voluntary exercise or massage was not performed in anesthesia condition and that could be the reason for limitation in upper moving of radiopharmaceuticals. In conclusion, _99mTc-phytate has a limitation for lower lymphoscintigraphy in dogs.