Multifactorial Assessment of Depleted Uranium Neurotoxicity
Abstract
This is a four-year study on the neurotoxic potential of depleted uranium (DU) in laboratory rats. Previous studies with Gulf War veterans and experimental animals exposed to embedded DU suggest that neurotoxicity may result from DU exposure (McDiarmid et al. 2000; Pellmar et al., 1999). The current investigation is designed to assess the neurotoxic potential of acute and chronic exposure to DU and the contribution of stress to expression of DU neurotoxicity and kinetics. All studies are being performed with adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. As noted in the Table below, the components of this project are as follows: 1- Dose-finding and preliminary toxicokinetic studies of DU. These were conducted in the Year 1 of the project 2- Pilot stress study- To obtain an optimal model of experimental stress for use in the acute and chronic DU exposure studies. This was done in Year 2 and Year 3. 3- Acute neurotoxicity of soluble DU (uranyl acetate)- To determine nervous system kinetics and toxicity of DU. This was a major focus in Year 3. The in-life portion was done, and the neurobehavioral and most of the neurochemical data were obtained and analyzed. Neuropathological studies of the brain were also performed in this year. Tissue uranium assays were done in part. 4- Long-term toxicity study- This will assess chronic exposures from implanted solid DU particles, a model of some Gulf War casualties. This study began in Year 3, and is in progress.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA435240
Entities
People
- Bernard Jortner
Organizations
- Virginia Tech