Clinical Applications of 111-In-Labelled Granulocytes

Since its introduction six years ago (1,2), the clinical use of 111-In labelled white cells for the detection and localization of inflammatory disease has greatly increased. In the last three years, reports from several centres have confirmed its diagnostic value (3,4,5,6). The growing interest in imaging of labelled white blood cells is due in part to the increasing availability of 111-In-oxinate and the ease of its use. Some commercial sources now have the capacity to carry out the entire white cell labelling procedure (Pharmatopes, Inc., 2944 Corvin Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95051). Nevertheless, white cell labelling with 111-In-oxinate is a relatively easy technique similar in complexity to the red cell labelling with 51-Cr needed for the determination of mass and halflife which is routinely performed in most Nuclear Medicine laboratories. Normally, autologous white cells are used and it has been shown conclusively that the 111-In labelled white cells retain their viability and chemotactic properties, and concentrate specifically in areas of inflammation and abscess following reinjection (7,8,9).