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Preliminary studies on the spatial-temporal microdistribution of inhaled soluble plutonium in the lungs of dogs

Conference · · Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5601901
The pulmonary microdistribution of inhaled soluble plutonium in four beagle dogs was studied in autoradiographs of histologic sections and transmission electron micrographs of lungs. Dogs were exposed to a single nose-only aerosol of /sup 239/Pu nitrate with a post-exposure time ranging from 1 month to 42 months. At one month after the exposure, the plutonium was dispersed throughout the lung section, with a higher percentage of the activity found on alveolar macrophages and alveolar septa. However, a nonrandom localization of the plutonium was observed as time passed. The focal concentrations were primarily in nodular or diffuse interstitial fibrotic tissues typically contiguous with subpleural, peribronchial, or perivascular areas. More than 50% of the total activity was in the form of single-tracks at one month exposure, and this percentage increased with time. In summary, this preliminary study suggests an initial random dispersion of soluble plutonium with increased concentration of activity to nonrandom focal locations with time.
Research Organization:
Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
5601901
Report Number(s):
CONF-8610350-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med.; (United States) Journal Volume: 185:2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English