111In-labeled eosinophils: localization of inflammatory lesions and parasitic infections in mice.

Based upon recent development of practical isolation techniques for eosinophils, labeling and in vivo imaging of eosinophils has been achieved. Isolation of cells was performed utilizing a Percoll density gradient. The eosinophils were subsequently labeled by a modified 111In-oxine method. Migration of eosinophils in response to intradermal ear-pinna injections of SEA (soluble schistosoma egg antigen), S. mansoni eggs, E. coli, and turpentine was followed with gamma-ray camera imaging from 4 to 48 h. Maximal localization, determined by Gamma 11 data processing, occurred by 4-h post-injection of radiolabel. SEA and S. mansoni eggs provided a greater stimulus for localization than E. coli or turpentine. Neutrophils did not preferentially accumulate. Tissue distribution of labeled eosinophils was greatest in the spleen, followed by liver and bone. 111In-labeled-eosinophil scans are sensitive to parasitic infections, although somewhat nonspecific.