Quantitative joint imaging using 67gallium citrate in a rabbit model of zymosan induced arthritis.

The intensity of synovitis induced by the intraarticular injection of 70 mg of zymosan into rabbit knee joints was assessed using the radiopharmaceutical 67gallium citrate (67Ga). Maximal uptake of 67Ga was observed 5 days after zymosan administration. The distribution of 67Ga in the intraarticular and paraarticular structures was quantitated and highest concentrations were found in the synovial membrane. The short term quantitative evaluation of zymosan induced arthritis is possible using scintigraphic technique.