Natural products might alter the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m ( 99mTc) and these results may be correlated with modifications of the shape of the red blood cells (RBC). The biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals can be also altered.
This investigation aimed to determine biological effects of an aqueous extract of chamomile (CE).
To study the effect of the CE on the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc, in vitro and in vivo assays were performed. The effect of the CE on the morphology of RBC was observed under light microscope. The images were acquired, processed, and the perimeter/area ratio of the RBC determined. To analyze the effect of the CE on biodistribution of the sodium pertechnetate (Na 99mTcO 4) in Wistar rats, these animals were treated or not with a CE. Na 99mTcO 4 was injected, the rats were sacrificed, the organs were removed, weighted and percentage of radioactivity/gram calculated.
In the in vitro experiment, the radioactivity on blood cells compartment and on insoluble fractions of plasma was diminished. The shape and the perimeter/area ratio of the RBC were altered in in vitro assays. An increase of the percentage of radioactivity of Na 99mTcO 4 was observed in stomach after in vivo treatment.