Source of Gallium-67 in gastrointestinal contents: concise communication

The sources of Ga-67 in gastrointestinal (GI) contents, and factors affecting its secretion were studied in rats. To prevent loss of fecal Ga-67, the anus was sutured before intravenous injection of Ga-67 citrate. Secretion of Ga-67 into the contents of the GI tract was rapid, 3, 6, and 9% of the injected dose were secreted at 1, 6, and 24 hr after injection, respectively. In contrast, Ga-67 concentration in the GI tissues remained relatively constant throughout this period. Analysis of Ga-67 contents of various parts of the GI tract revealed that small intestine is its major source, contributing 60% while the bile contributes 20%, large intestine 10%, esophagus and stomach 10%. Feeding had no effect on the Ga-67 secretion into GI contents. In contrast, the serum unbound iron-binding capacity (UIBC) played an important role in the GI secretion of Ga-67; reducing the serum UIBC reduced the Ga-67 secretion into GI contents