Retention of Radiocaesium by the Rat as Influenced by Prussian Blue and Other Compounds

Abstract

The effectiveness of several compounds in suppressing the enteral absorption of 137Cs in rats was tested. All agents were found to be ineffective, with the exception of sodium tetraphenylborate, potassium ferrocyanide and, in particular, ferric ferrocyanide (Prussian Blue). The decrease in enteral absorption of 137Cs by oral administration of PB is dependent upon dose and time of administration. The maximal effect achieved is the reduction of the body-burden by 99%. Repeated oral administration of PB also enhances substantially the excretion of parenterally administered 137Cs. This effect was found to be independent on the time when treatment was started. No toxic side effects of PB were observed.