Protracted Hepatic, Splenic and Renal Retention of 239Pu in the Beagle

Abstract

Retention of plutonium in liver, spleen, and kidneys of beagles injected intravenously with 239Pu(IV) in citrate buffer at injected dose levels of 0.016 and 0.048 μCi/kg has been measured from young adulthood to death. Dogs at 0.016 μCi/kg suffer no lifeshortening, and those at 0.048 μCi/kg, 18%. Hepatic retention is independent of dose level at these and the previously reported level of 0.096 μCi/kg, and, thus, at these levels the radiation damage is not sufficiently extensive to result in a significant dose level effect. Sets of hepatic retention equations have been calculated and those most appropriate for calculation of radiation dose have been designated. Splenic and renal retentions were higher than anticipated from results at higher levels.