[en] To evaluate ¹²⁵I labeled recombinant macrophage migration inhibitory factors (rMIF) for the scintigraphic imaging of inflammation, rMIF was labeled with ¹²⁵I by Iodo- gen method. ¹²⁵I-rMIF was isolated by Sephadex G25 column. The stability, immune specificity of ¹²⁵I-rMIF and its biodistribution in inflammatory model of mice were studied. The labeling yield of ¹²⁵I-rMIF was 96.5%. It was stable within 48 h at room temperature. The biodistribution results showed that the ¹²⁵I-rMIF was metabolized by the liver, the radioactivity clearance mainly happened in the kidney and the speed of the blood clearance was rapid. After caudal vein iniection with ¹²⁵I-rMIF, the ratio of radioactivity uptake between inflammatory limb (target) and contra lateral healthy limb (non target)(T/NT) were 1.42, 1.35, 2.18 and 2.05 at 0.5, 1, 6, 24 h respectively. ¹²⁵I-rMIF had the capability of locating the inflammatory foci. The advance of it is more obviously at the late stage than that at the early stage. ¹²⁵I-rMIF may be a potential agent for the diagnosis of concealed and subacute inflammatory disease. (authors)