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SODIUM-22 METABOLISM IN IRRADIATED PATIENTS

Journal Article · · Lancet (England)

Turnover of body Na was studied with Na in patients receiving Co/sup 60/ therapy for cancer. After the administration of 10 to 25 mu c of Na the loss of Na from the body was followed by studying body radioactivity, specific activity of plasma Na, specific activity of urinary Na, and urinary excretion of Na/sup 22/ . The biologic half-life of plasma Na was 15 days. After radiotherapy the urinary excretion of Na/sup 22/ decreased while that of Na/sup 23/ increased. These apparently contradictory results are explained on the assumption that the body Na is not in the ionic state, but is bound to proteins and other substances in plasma and the interstitial compartment. Thus, irradiation diminishes the ability to transform dietary Na into body Na. The organism reacts in two ways to the diminution of its Na stores: the kidney is stimulated to reabsorb more Na, and the intake of Na from the diet is increased. Exogenous Na, however, is not completely utilized, and much is excreted in the urine. (H.H.D.)

Research Organization:
Ospedali Galliera, Genoa
NSA Number:
NSA-17-033696
OSTI ID:
4654000
Journal Information:
Lancet (England), Journal Name: Lancet (England) Vol. Vol: 2; ISSN LANCA
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English