Radiolabeling the Peptides extracted from Scorpion venom (ICD-85) with 99mTc as treatment and imaging agent for cancer

Introduction: Venoms are a mixture of proteins and peptides which can be used for fighting cancers. They can affect the exposed fibers and the muscles directly or through motor nerves, causing neuromuscular intoxication. ICD-85 is a combination of three poly-peptides derived from the venoms of an Iranian brown snake and a yellow scorpion. Materials and Methods: Technetium-99m was obtained from a 99Mo/99mTc generator. Venom (ICD-85) was provided by Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute of Iran. Labeling of this venom was achieved with Technetium-99m. Labeled ICD-85 was injected into mice to determine the organ targets and excretion pathway. Results: Results show that the radiolabeling yield of the radio-venom is acceptable. The biodistribution study shows that the organs of liver, kidney and tumor are the targets of ICD venom. Also moderate clearance of the complex from blood was seen.   Conclusion: The results suggest that 99mTc radiolabeling of venom (ICD-85) may be a good tool for in-vivo studies and is an excellent approach to follow the process of biodistribution and kinetics of toxins for cancer imaging and treatment.