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Metallothioneins are a special group of low-molecular-weight proteins with metal-binding properties, which make them promising chelators for the development of targeted radiopharmaceuticals, as well as with technetium-99m. The aim of this work is to study the biodistribution of 99mTc-metallothionein conjugate (99mTc-MT) in intact mice in comparison with unbound technetium-99m (Na99mTcO4). Low uptake of 99mTc-MT in the thyroid gland (1.20 ± 0.30%/g versus 267.2 ± 59.0%/g for Na99mTcO4) demonstrates the high stability of 99mTc-MT in vivo. The 99mTc-MT complex is rapidly eliminated from the bloodstream through the kidneys and is characterized by a reduced uptake in most organs and tissues compared to Na99mTcO4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]