Imaging and kinetics studies with radiolabelled autologous low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in human atherosclerosis.

Experimental data in rabbits show a significantly (P less than 0.01) increased vascular uptake of autologous 125I-radiolabelled low-density lipoproteins (LDL) at various time intervals after experimental lesioning. In some vascular areas in patients, a positive gamma-camera image can be obtained as early as 30 min after reinjection of autologous 123I-labelled LDL only. Monitoring of kinetics provides reliable information on localized increased LDL entry in certain vascular areas. Although a number of methodological improvements are needed, the technique described may be of clinical value in the future.