Common pathway for tumor cell uptake of gallium-67 and iron-59 via a transferrin receptor

SM Larson, JS Rasey, DR Allen… - Journal of the …, 1980 - academic.oup.com
SM Larson, JS Rasey, DR Allen, NJ Nelson, Z Grunbaum, GD Harp, DL Williams
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 1980academic.oup.com
We studied the tumor uptake of [67Ga] citrate,[59Fe] citrate, and 125I-labeled transferrin (TF)
by the in vitro growth form of EMT-6, a sarcoma-like mammary tumor of BALB/c mice. In
analyzing the binding experiments, we developed a new mathematical model based on a
formulation originally used to exprell the interaction of hormones with specific tissue
receptors. The uptake of both carrier-free 67Ga and 59Fe by tumor cells was mediated by
kinetically identical TF receptors. We also studied terlc acid extracts of the stroma of EMT-6 …
Abstract
We studied the tumor uptake of [67Ga]citrate, [59Fe]citrate, and 125I-labeled transferrin (TF) by the in vitro growth form of EMT-6, a sarcoma-like mammary tumor of BALB/c mice. In analyzing the binding experiments, we developed a new mathematical model based on a formulation originally used to exprell the interaction of hormones with specific tissue receptors. The uptake of both carrier-free 67Ga and 59Fe by tumor cells was mediated by kinetically identical TF receptors. We also studied terlc acid extracts of the stroma of EMT-6 tumors grown both in vivo and in vitro. Chromatography of these extracts on Sephacryl S-200 SF demonstrated that the cellular stroma contained specific TF-binding macromolecules. On the basis of these findings, we proposed the “transferrin receptor hypothesis” for the mechanism of 67Ga uptake by tumors. According to this view, a tumor-alloclated TF receptor is the functional unit responsible for the affinity of gallium for certain neoplasms. This receptor was also active in the uptake of iron by tumors.
Oxford University Press