Iron-tumor cell interaction and regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis: their implication in tumor growth

Using [59Fe] ferric lactate, a direct relationship between iron concentration and [59Fe] uptake by Ehrlich ascites tumor cells was found. Deferoxamine and albumin inhibited this uptake. Electrophoresis showed that both molecules complexed iron from ferric lactate. [45Ca] uptake in the presence of ferric lactate showed the same inhibition, and an iron mass-dependence, these findings suggest an iron--cell membrane interaction as the cause of this phenomenon. The implication of iron--tumor cell membrane interaction in tumor growth regulation is discussed.