[Animal modeling] - Establishment of a tracer model of sodium hyaluronate distribution in rabbit knee joint cavity

  Objective: To establish a tracking model of sodium hyaluronate (HA) distribution in rabbit knee joint cavity by dual source CT scanning and X-ray fluoroscopy, and to observe the influence of different administration sites on the distribution of HA in rabbit knee joint cavity.

  Methods: 0.5 ml sodium hyaluronate iodohydol (HA-I) mixed preparation with 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 40% iodohydol was prepared respectively. After injection into the knee joint cavity of rabbits, plain scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction were performed with dual source CT to select the best concentration of tracers that can effectively distinguish between drugs and surrounding tissues. Subsequently, 0.5 ml of HA-I preparation with the best concentration of iohexol was injected into the knee joint cavity of rabbits from the two drug administration sites of the patella and the articular line, respectively. The difference in the distribution characteristics of drugs in the knee joint cavity was observed with dual source CT and X-ray fluoroscopy, confirming the effectiveness of the drug tracking model.

  Results: The CT value of HA-I mixed preparation increased with the increase of iohexol concentration. When the concentration of iohexol was 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, the average CT value ratios of knee joint soft tissue, HA-I preparation and bone tissue were 2 ∶ 7 ∶ 46, 2 ∶ 14 ∶ 44, 2 ∶ 28 ∶ 44, 2 ∶ 60 ∶ 46, 2 ∶ 98 ∶ 45, respectively. It was confirmed that the HA-I mixed preparation with 5%~10% iohexol concentration could most effectively distinguish drugs from peripheral tissues, The ideal three-dimensional reconstruction effect of drug distribution range was obtained. The HA-I preparation with 5% iohexol concentration was taken for CT scanning and X-ray fluoroscopy tracing observation. The results showed that there was a correlation between the difference of drug administration sites and the drug distribution range. HA administered under the patella was mainly distributed in the patellofemoral joint, while HA administered along the articular line was mainly distributed in the tibiofemoral joint.

  Conclusion: The HA-I preparation with 5% iohexol concentration, combined with CT scanning and X-ray fluoroscopy, can effectively distinguish the drugs and surrounding tissues, and directly display the distribution range of drugs in the joint cavity. It is a reliable HA drug tracing model.