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Inhalation toxicology of /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/ and /sup 239/PuO/sub 2/ in Syrian golden hamsters

Journal Article · · Radiat. Res.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3574591· OSTI ID:7323768

Male and female, young adult, Syrian golden hamsters were exposed to high-fired, freshly prepared, aerosols of /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/ or /sup 239/PuO/sub 2/. Initial alveolar depositions of plutonium ranged from about 3 to 200 nCi. The fate of inhaled PuO/sub 2/ in the hamster was similar to that previously described in the rat. Only in male hamsters exposed to large amounts of /sup 239/PuO/sub 2/ was there significant shortening of life span. The incidence of adenomatous metaplasia in the lung was as high as 16% in unexposed controls and increased with increasing radiation dose to a maximum of 58% at the highest deposition of plutonium. Only three hamsters developed malignant tumors in the lung, all adenocarcinomas, and all at initial alveolar depositions greater than 160 nCi. It was concluded that the hamster was resistant to the induction of lung tumors following inhalation of insoluble particles containing ..cap alpha..-emitting radionuclides.

Research Organization:
Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA
OSTI ID:
7323768
Journal Information:
Radiat. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Radiat. Res.; (United States) Vol. 70:2; ISSN RAREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English