Carcinogenicity and Immnotoxicity of Embedded Depleted Uranium and Heavy-Metal Tungsten Alloy in Rodents
Abstract
This study investigates the carcinogenic and immunotoxic potential of embedded fragments of depleted uranium (DU) and a heavy-metal tungsten alloy (HMTA) to determine if carcinogenicity and immunotoxicity are correlated with tissue-metal content. We hypothesize that long-term chronic exposure to embedded DU and HMTA initiates changes in normal immune function that will eventually result in a carcinogenic response characterized by both tumor formation at the fragment implantation site (solid-state or foreign-body carcinogenesis) and at distant tissue sites ("true" carcinogenesis). To test this hypothesis, male Fischer 344 rats are surgically implanted with pellets of DU or HMTA. Responses in these rats are compared with those from rats implanted with a known carcinogen, nickel, or an inert metal, tantalum. At selected times after implantation, we assess tissue metal content, mutagenicity, and genotoxicity as well as perform tests to assess cell-mediated, humoral, and innate immunity. This report summarizes accomplishments of the project after the first year of work. Year one milestones are met: assays and other systems have been established and standardized, implant pellets and other materials contracted for and obtained, and over 300 rats have undergone pellet implantation surgery.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA409697
Entities
People
- Alexandra C. Miller
- David E. Mcclain
- John F. Kalinich
Organizations
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine