The Behavior of 237Np in the Rat

Abstract

Rats were administered 237Np nitrate either intravenously or intramuscularly. Similar distributions in organs were observed after intravenous injections at pH 1.5 and 7.5. Intramuscular injections were followed by a high urinary excretion-about 30 % of the total administered dose-over the 1st month, while over 60 % migrated from the injection site. The ratio of “activity eliminated via urine/activity deposited in bone” was roughly equal to 1. DTPA therapy was not effective. Neptunium behavior rather followed that of alkaline earths than that of transplutonium elements.