Multifactorial Assessment of Depleted Uranium Neurotoxicity
Abstract
This is the second year of a four-year project to evaluate neurotoxicity related to depleted uranium (DU) exposure and stress in rats. In this year, the project was modified based upon a scientific review of our project at the Force Health Protection Review of Depleted Uranium Projects. This resulted in addition of a pilot stress study, modification of the acute toxicity study and use of an en%enhanced stress model for the latter and the forthcoming long-term toxicity study. Studies performed in the year being reported included the pilot stress study, which compared several models of stress administered over 6-week period. Based upon serial plasma corticosterone evaluations over the course of the study, it was determined that a weekly regime of four days restraint followed by one of swimming elicited periodic (swimming-related) sharp peaks of corticosterone. This approach was adopted to provide stress for the DU/stress interactions that form the rest of the project. The acute study will be carried out in five blocks, using soluble DU exposures of 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg im, along with the indicated stress. This study employs detailed clinical neurobehavioral evaluation. At sacrifice (on days 1, 3, 7, and 30) icp-ms determination of regional brain uranium kinetics, and neurochemical and neuropathological evaluations will be done. Block 1 of the 5 has been completed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA419521
Entities
People
- Bernard S. Jortner
Organizations
- Virginia Tech