Phenylacetate has been reported to have a potent anti-proliferative and anti-differentiating effect in haematological malignancies and in solid tumours at non-toxic concentrations. This study is a preliminary investigation of 131 Iradiolabelled 4-iodophenylacetic acid as a potential radiopharmaceutical equivalent. Radiolabelling by isotope exchange gave a radiochemical yield of 53 ± 6 %, and a radiochemical purity of 97.8 ± 1.2 %, as qualified by was recorded with a tumour to background ratio of 2. As the blood pool still contains high levels of activity after 5 h in mice, increased tumour uptake may occur at later time points, which might warrant further investigation.

Rabbits obtained from a South African rabbit breeder exhibited deformities of the distal forelimbs. The clinical, radiological and histological presentation of mid-antebrachial valgus formation (a.k.a distal foreleg curvature) in these rabbits was consistent with an autosomal recessive trait associated with a chondrodystrophic lesion of the distal ulna epiphysis 1st described in the 1960s. The impact this might have on South African farming enterprises and laboratory facilities has not been established, but the heritability and welfare implications of this condition make it a concern. Mildly affected animals can adapt to the deformity with some housing adjustments, but severely affected animalsmayrequirehumaneeuthanasia