Biodistribution of 131 I in mice is influenced by circadian variations

Effects of radiation and biodistribution of radionuclides are often studied in animal models. Circadian rhythm affects many biological functions and may influence the biokinetics of radionuclides and observed responses. The aim of this study was to investigate if the time during the day of 131 I injection affects the biodistribution and absorbed dose to tissues in mice. Biodistribution studies were conducted on male C57BL/6 N mice for three diurnal time-series: the animals were i.v. injected with 160 kBq 131 I at 8 am, 12 pm or 4 pm. The activity concentration in organs and tissues was measured at 1 h to 7 days after administration and absorbed dose at day 7 was determined. Comparison between the three time-series showed statistically significant differences in activity concentration in all investigated tissues and organs. Administration performed at 12 pm resulted in general in higher absorbed dose to the organs than injection performed at 8 am and 4 pm. Time of day of administration affects the biodistribution of 131 I in mice and consequently the absorbed dose to individual organs. These findings advocate that subsequent biodistribution studies and dosimetry calculations should consider time-point of administration as a variable that could influence the results.