Distribution and stability in the rat of a 76Br/125I-labelled polypeptide, epidermal growth factor.

A positron-emitting isotope of bromine, 76Br, with a half-life of 16.2 h, was produced using the reaction natBr(p, xn)76Kr. Labelling of mouse epidermal growth factor (EGF) with 76Br was optimized, using the chloramine-T method, obtaining a maximal radiochemical yield of 53%. In tests with receptor-rich, cultured glioma cells, [76Br]EGF and [125I]EGF bound equally well. A study of the distribution and stability of [76Br]EGF and [125I]EGF in normal rat was carried out. The distribution of both radioisotopes was similar, however, the percentage of 76Br bound to the high molecular weight fraction in the plasma, liver and kidney was greater than that of 125I.