We evaluated the differences in catabolism of 125I, 111In and 90Y-T101 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD5) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC), HUT 102, CCRF-CEM and MOLT-4 cells. All cells showed higher retention of 111In than of 125I. PBMNC showed similar retention of 90Y and 111In. The release of 125I was reduced by using metabolic inhibitors, F(ab')2 of T101, pure lymphocytes or incubating at 4 degrees C. Our findings suggest differences in the intracellular catabolism of the radionuclides.