Labeling with indium-111 has detrimental effects on human lymphocytes: concise communication.

When lymphocytes from human peripheral blood were labeled with In-111 oxinate, several of their properties appeared to be affected. The spontaneous release of the radionuclide was found to be relatively high. Labeled lymphocytes showed a decreased proliferative capacity, dependent on the dose of the label. Cytogenetic studies revealed that In-111 oxinate induces severe chromosomal aberrations. These results emphasize the need for great caution in the use of the In-111 label for studies on lymphocyte traffic in humans.