Mechanisms of gallium-67 accumulation by tumors: role of cell membrane permeability.

ABSTRACT

The effects of citrate ion on in vitro and in vivo uptake of [67Ga]citrate by tumor cells have been studied. Carrier-free [67Ga]citrate seems to follow the physical diffusion of citrate ions into the cell, and the presence of carrier gallium inhibits that diffusion, reducing considerably its uptake. These results appear to support the hypothesis that increased permeability of tumor cells is the principal cause of [67Ga]citrate accumulation by tumors.