Placenta, embryo, and tumor uptake of 67Ga-citrate and 59Fe-citrate.

The uptake of gallium citrate Ga67 and ferrous citrate Fe59 was studied in pregnant rats with or without a 4-dimethylamino-stilben(DS)-induced sarcoma tumor. The liver and placenta of the mother concentrated 67Ga, while the uptake of 67Ga in the embryo was minimal. However, the embryo showed higher concentrations of 59Fe. Preloading with iron did not affect the 67Ga uptake of the placenta, but increased the uptake in the blood and liver of the mother. With regard to 59Fe uptake, iron loading only affected the embryo liver. Tumors and the placenta showed a similar 67Ga uptake but a different incorporation of 59Fe. The probable mechanisms involved are discussed.