Gallium-transferrin complex

Ga-citrate is also commonly used for imaging infection and inflammation. " At sites of inflammation, the gallium-transferrin complex leaks into the extracellular space and Ga is transchelated from transferrin in blood to lactoferrin and siderophores see Iron Transport Siderophores), which are released by leukocytes and bacteria. Imaging with Ga takes place usually 24-72h following injection. 

The tissue distribution of gallium radionuclides is affected by many factors, such as the extent of neoplasm [62], the presence of inflammatory processes [63], sex hormone status [64], age [65], lactation [66], radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment [67,68], amount of carrier gallium administered [69,70], and administration of compounds which block plasma protein binding of gallium [62,71]. The mechanism of uptake of Ga in tumors and abscesses has not been definitely established. One proposed mechanism suggests that Ga-transferrin interacts with specific transferrin receptors on the tumor cell, where upon binding to the cell the Ga-transferrin complex... 

---