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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) in toxicology and carcinogenesis

Conference ·
OSTI ID:538964
 [1]
  1. Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
AMS measures isotope ratios with attomole to zeptomole sensitivity. It is well suited for tracing {sup 14}C and other isotopes through biological systems at levels 10{sup 3} - 10{sup 6}-fold lower than decay counting can achieve. AMS is being used to assess pharmaco/toxicokinetics, DNA and protein adduction, and metabolism in vivo at low doses. Human studies, where chemical and isotope doses can be significantly reduced, are also beginning. In specific applications we have measured the metabolism and binding of {sup 14}C-labeled heterocyclic amines and benzene to DNA and proteins. Dose response assessments have been carried out to doses as low as 700 pg benzene/kg body weight. The high sensitivity of AMS for isotope detection and the potential for its use in understanding how animal models reflect humans make AMS a valuable tool for assessing the short and long-term risks posed by toxic or carcinogenic chemicals. In general, AMS is useful for assessing any physiological event where high sensitivity is needed.
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
538964
Report Number(s):
CONF-960807--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English