Acetylated low-density lipoprotein-encapsulated cholesteryl 1,3-diiopanoate glyceryl ether for the detection of atherosclerosis in rabbits.
A cholesteryl ester analog, cholesteryl 1,3-diiopanoate glyceryl ether (C2I), was synthesized and investigated for its potential use for the detection of atherosclerotic lesions in rabbits.


METHODS
(125)I-labeled C2I was incorporated into acetylated low-density lipoprotein (AcLDL). The resultant complex, (125)I-C2I-AcLDL, was injected intravenously into 2 groups of rabbits, fed cholesterol and normal chow, at a dose of 555 kBq/kg. Tissue samples were taken 24 h after injection for the biodistribution study. Atherosclerotic lesions and C2I deposition in aortic samples were examined by Sudan IV staining and autoradiography, respectively.


RESULTS
The levels of C2I in blood and aortic samples in cholesterol-fed animals were 2- to 3-fold higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The autoradiography results correlated well with the Sudan IV staining results, indicating sites of C2I deposition superimposed on lesion sites.


CONCLUSIONS
C2I was preferentially taken up and retained at atherosclerotic lesion sites, suggesting its potential use for the detection of early atherosclerosis.
School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
Wu
W
Xiao
Thomas M
TM
Scott
Liping
L
Feng
Zhongshui
Z
Yu
Lili
L
Wang
Jeffrey A
JA
Hughes
Hu
H
Liu
D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001345:Autoradiography; D001391:Azo Compounds; D005995:Glyceryl Ethers; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits
C474281:1,3-diiopanoate glyceryl ether; D001391:Azo Compounds; D005995:Glyceryl Ethers; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; C032629:acetyl-LDL; C009213:Scarlet Red