Deliberate Overdose of Uranium: Toxicity and Treatment

Pavlakis, Nick; Pollock, Carol; McLean, Greg; Bartrop, Roger

doi:10.1159/000188862

Cited by 46 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…While it is difficult to reach a definitive conclusion about the neurobehavioral consequences of DU exposure, the existing body of data for the neurotoxicity of uranium and DU suggests that embedded DU might exert deleterious effects on the central nervous system, indicating that further studies involving higher embedded DU body burdens and longer latency periods are warranted. The kidney is a critical target for uranium toxicity in humans and animals (Monleau et al, 2006;Carriere et al, 2004;ATSDR, 1999;Gilman et al, 1998;Pavlakis et al, 1996;Bentley et al, 1985;Bencosme et al, 1960;Maynard & Hodge, 1949). In the current study, the low serum ALT and PHOS serum chemistry activities that occurred in animals implanted with 20 DU pellets were interpreted as being suggestive of possible kidney dysfunction in these animals.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of the Effect of Implanted Depleted Uranium (DU) on Adult Rat Behavior and Toxicological Endpoints

Arfsten

Wilfong

Bekkedal

et al. 2007

Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A

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In 2002, the Naval Health Research Center Toxicology Detachment began a study to determine the effects of surgically implanted depleted uranium (DU) pellets on adult rat (e.g., P1 generation) health and reproduction. In this report, the effect of implanted DU on adult rat behavior and health is described. Adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, 8 wk of age, were surgically implanted with 0, 4, 8, 12, or 20 DU pellets (1 x 2 mm); 20 DU pellets of size 1 x 2 mm approximates to 0.22 kg (0.5 lb) of DU in a 70-kg (154 lb) person. Control animals were implanted with 12 or 20 tantallum (Ta) pellets. The animals were then housed for up to 150 d postimplantation or 20% of an assumed 2-yr life span for rats. The concentration of uranium in urine directly correlated with the number of implanted DU pellets, indicating that DU was migrating into the body from the implanted pellets. Three male and 4 female animals died during the 150-d period of causes apparently not related to DU implantation. Behavioral testing found no definitive evidence of neurobehavioral perturbations associated with DU implantation. Uranium translocated to tissues known to sequester uranium (bone, teeth, and kidneys), but uranium concentrations varied considerably within each dose group and did not follow a dose-response pattern as anticipated. Serum chemistry values were within normal ranges for the SD rat. However, alanine aminotransferase measurements were significantly lower for rats implanted with 20 DU pellets as compared to sham surgery controls but not when compared to animals implanted with Ta pellets only. Phosphate measurements were significantly lower for female rats implanted with 20 DU pellets as compared to both sham surgery controls and animals implanted with Ta pellets only. Monocyte ratios were higher in adult rats implanted with 20 DU pellets as compared to sham surgery controls but not when compared to animals implanted with 20 Ta pellets. Mean platelet volume was found to be significantly lower for rats implanted with 20 DU pellets as compared to sham surgery controls but not when compared to animals implanted with 20 Ta pellets. Gross necropsy found no obvious tissue abnormalities in implanted rats, and the weights of major tissues did not differ between Ta- and DU-implanted animals. Histopathologic analysis of major tissues from animals implanted with 0 pellets, 20 Ta pellets, or 20 DU pellets found no differences between treatment groups. The findings of this study indicate that implantation of up to 20 DU pellets in adult rats did not have a significant negative impact on their general health and neurobehavioral capacities when assessed after 150 d of pellet implantation. However, the growing body of data on the potential health effects associated with DU exposure warrants further studies involving higher embedded DU body burdens in conjunction with longer surveillance periods postimplantation.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of the Effect of Implanted Depleted Uranium (DU) on Adult Rat Behavior and Toxicological Endpoints

Arfsten

Wilfong

Bekkedal

et al. 2007

Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A

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“…This dose would be approximately 131 mg uranium/kg for a 70-kg man. The patient reported suffering from myocarditis resulting form the uranium ingestion, which ended 6 mo after ingestion (Pavlakis et al, 1996). No cardiovascular effects occurred after an intense accidental inhalation exposure in a man exposed to powdered uranium tetrafluoride for 5 min ).…”

Section: Cardiovascular Toxicitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Depleted and Natural Uranium: Chemistry and Toxicological Effects

Craft

Abu-Qare

Flaherty

et al. 2004

Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B

368

231

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Depleted uranium (DU) is a by-product from the chemical enrichment of naturally occurring uranium. Natural uranium isInterest in depleted uranium (DU) is rapidly increasing as researchers realize its many potential military and civilian applications. Uranium, a naturally occurring heavy metal, is found in all soils, waters and rocks. Natural uranium is comprised of three radioactive isotopes: 238 U, 235 U, and 234 U. Of these, 235

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“…The exposure of concern is radon, a daughter isotope (decay product [150,151]. This creates some stereo-chemical hindrance to chelation.…”

Section: Toxicitymentioning

confidence: 99%