Cesium in mammals: Acute toxicity, organ changes and tissue accumulation

Abstract

Abstract The acute toxicity of cesium given intraperitoneally (IP) as CsCl in mice is characterized by autonomic upset and by a multiphasic excitant‐depressant action on the central nervous system. The predominantly depressant action can progress to respiratory embarassment, cyanosis, spinal convulsions and death. Light microscopy of mice treated with 2.0 mEq Cs+ kg‐1 IP for 14 days showed lymphoid hyperplasia in small intestine. Measurement of tissue cesium by the proton‐induced x‐ray emission (PIXE) technique is convenient and reproducible. Cesium displays a generalized bioactivity that merits further study.