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Occurrence of hemangiosarcomas in beagles with internally deposited radionuclides

Journal Article · · Cancer Res., v. 37, no. 7, pp. 1745-1755
OSTI ID:4039833

In a series of related experiments to evaluate the relative toxicity of inhaled radionuclides, beagles were exposed to aerosols containing relatively soluble (chloride) or relatively insoluble (fused clay) forms of $sup 144$Ce and $sup 90$Sr. With the soluble $sup 144$CeCl$sub 3$, significant radiation doses were delivered in the lungs, liver, and skeleton whereas, after $sup 90$SrCl$sub 2$ exposure, the radiation dose was delivered predominantly to the skeleton. In dogs exposed to $sup 144$Ce and $sup 90$Sr in fused clay particles, radiation doses were delivered mostly to the lungs and tracheobronchial lymph nodes. In most dogs dying within 2 years after exposure, deaths were attributable to nonneoplastic radiation-induced lesions in the target organ systems. At later times after exposure, neoplasms were the major cause of death, again occurring mostly in target organs or the adjacent tissues. Lung, liver, and bone-related neoplasms, including five hepatic hemangiosarcomas, developed after $sup 144$CeCl$sub 3$ exposure. Among the bone-related sarcomas seen in dogs exposed to $sup 144$CeCl$sub 3$ or $sup 90$SrCl$sub 2$, the incidence of hemangiosarcomas was over 40 percent. Among the 20 dogs dying with pulmonary neoplasms after exposure to $sup 144$Ce or $sup 90$Sr in fused clay particles, all had hemangiosarcomas and several also had other neoplasms. This high incidence of hemangiosarcomas has occurred within 7 years after exposure and differs from results in other laboratories where beagles have been exposed to both $alpha$- and $beta$-emitting radionuclides. (auth)

Research Organization:
Lovelace Foundation, Albuquerque, NM
NSA Number:
NSA-33-029776
OSTI ID:
4039833
Journal Information:
Cancer Res., v. 37, no. 7, pp. 1745-1755, Journal Name: Cancer Res., v. 37, no. 7, pp. 1745-1755; ISSN CNREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English