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Title: Macrophage depletion of mouse lung following inhalation of /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/

Journal Article · · Radiat. Res.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3576694· OSTI ID:5675185

Changes in the free-cell population of the lungs of two strains of mice (SAS/4 and CBA/H) were studied up to 4 months after inhalation exposure to a sized fraction of /sup 239/PuO/sub 2/ particles (1.5 micron AMAD) to give initial alveolar depositions (IADs) ranging from 17 to 810 Bq. A sample of the free-cell population of the lung was recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage, and a radiometric method was used to estimate the total number of pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) in the lung. The response of the lung to /sup 239/PuO/sub 2/ was characterized by an initial, dose-dependent depression in the total number of PAM following an IAD as low as 50 Bq. At IADs greater than 150 Bq, the initial depression continued for longer, merging into a chronic phase in which the PAM were larger and were accompanied by a minor infiltration of leukocytes. These findings were confirmed by histology, which also revealed focal accumulations of Type II pneumocytes. The results indicate that inhaled alpha-emitting particles are effective at producing a depletion in the alveolar macrophage population at relatively low IADs and that chronic effects on the cells can be produced by higher concentrations.

Research Organization:
Inhalation Toxicology Group, Harwell, England
OSTI ID:
5675185
Journal Information:
Radiat. Res.; (United States), Vol. 3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English