METABOLISM AND REMOVAL OF RARE EARTHS IN MAN
Rare earth isotopes are by-products of nuclear fission and may constitute a source of internal radiation after accidental exposure. These elements form tight complexes with nucleic acids and have been suggested as useful diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents in neoplasia. Following animal experiments, studies of the metabolism and removal of rare earths were performed in humans in good physical condition with normal renal function. Tissue distribution studies were performed on patients with advanced neoplastic disease. Data are presented on the metabolism of La/sup 140/, are earths in man was found to vary with the chemical form administered, ionic or chelated. The excretion of a metal administered in chelated form appeared to depend on the competition between the chelating agent and body competitors for the metal. Factors that influence the tissue distribution of rare earths are discussed. The chelating agents, EDTA and DTPA, were both found to be effective in removing radioactive rare earths from man. The chance for effective removal was found to be greater the sooner therapy was instituted after exposure. (39 references.) (C.H.)
- Research Organization:
- Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, Ill.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-007750
- OSTI ID:
- 4741226
- Report Number(s):
- TID-17547
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Predicting the kinetics of chelating agents in man from animal data
A STUDY OF STRONTIUM, CALCIUM, AND RARE EARTH METABOLISM IN HUMANS. Annual Report for December 1, 1959 to November 30, 1960