Altered distribution of copper (64Cu) in tumor-bearing mice and rats.

64Cu was injected in the form of CuCl2 either by subcutaneous or by intraperitoneal route, and its distribution inside different organs was analyzed in 5 different tumor models, 4 in mice and 1 in rats. In all organs tested (blood, liver, kidneys, spleen, intestine, muscle, and tumor) no significant differences were observed in the results obtained after either injection route. All tumors analyzed (Krebs ascite, intestinal Leiomyo sarcoma, human tumor, mammary adenocarcinoma, either spontaneous or chemically induced) contained a relatively high concentration of 64Cu. For all tumor models tested, the 64Cu distribution was altered as compared with that of the corresponding control animals.