Korean J Gastroenterol.  2008 Jan;51(1):19-24.

Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping of the Stomach Using Fluorescent Magnetic Nanoparticles in Rabbits

• Kim JS
• Yoon TJ
• Kim HK
• Kim SS
• Chae HS
• Choi MG
• Kim YJ
• Yi GC
• Cho YS

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping of the stomach cancer using available techniques is limited by unpredictable lymphatic drainage patterns and skip metastasis. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of gastric SLN mapping using fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles (FMNP) of uniform nano-size.
METHODS
Biocompatible silica-overcoated magnetic nanoparticles containing rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RITC) within a silica shell of controllable thickness with 60 nm thickness were used as model nanomaterials. Gastric lymphatic mapping was performed by injecting 100 microliter of either FMNP or isosulafan blue subserosally. Gastric injections (n=7) were made into the body, approximately 5 cm from the lesser curvature of rabbits. Sentinel lymph nodes were visualized using fluorescent nanoparticle detection system.
RESULTS
In 7 rabbits, it was demonstrated that FMNP quickly and accurately detected sentinel lymph nodes. Injection into the stomach resulted in identification of a retrogastric lymph node. Histological analysis in all cases confirmed the presence of nodal tissue.
CONCLUSIONS
FMNP can be a potential alternative to existing tracers in the detection of SLN in this animal experiment.

Keyword

Sentinel lymph node; Fluorescent magnetic nanoparticle

MeSH Terms

Animals
Coloring Agents/diagnostic use
Female
Fluorescent Dyes/*diagnostic use
Lymph Nodes/pathology
Male
Models, Animal
Nanoparticles/*diagnostic use
Rabbits
Rhodamines/diagnostic use
Rosaniline Dyes/diagnostic use
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy/*methods
Stomach/*pathology
Time Factors