NCIt definition : A radioiodine-labeled cholesterol analogue with diagnostic imaging activity upon scintigraphy.
Upon administration, iodine I 131 iodocholesterol accumulates in tissues where steroid
hormones are produced, including the adrenal glands and, to a lesser extent, the ovaries
and the testes. After binding to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors on adrenocortical
cells, this agent is internalized. As cholesterol is the precursor for all adrenocortical
steroid hormones, areas of hormonal hypersecretion, can be visualized using scintigraphy
and the adrenocortical function can be assessed.;