The role of the interaction between Fe(III) and cell surface in the accumulation of 67Ga by tumor cells.

The study of the interaction between complexed iron and tumor cells in the presence of 67Ga-citrate indicates that a phenomenon of iron-binding related to the thermodynamic constant of stability of the iron complex, and a hydrolysis (or anion penetration) of the interaction product determine the uptake of 67Ga. The effects of various parameters such as ionic composition of the medium, nature of the iron complex, time of incubation and number of cells are discussed.