Carcinogenicity and Immunotoxicity of Embedded Depleted Uranium and Heavy-Metal Tungsten Alloy in Rodents

Abstract

This study investigated the carcinogenic and immunotoxic potential of embedded fragments of depleted uranium (DU) and a heavy-metal tungsten alloy (WA) consisting of tungsten, nickel, and cobalt. Male Fisher 344 rats were surgically implanted with pellets of DU, WA, tantalum (inert metal, negative control), or nickel (known carcinogen, positive control). Implanted WA resulted in the rapid formation of tumors, identified as rhabdomyosarcomas, surrounding the pellets. These tumors had, within the same area, histopathological characteristics of both the pleomorphic and embryonal subtypes of rhabdomyosarcomas. Eventually these tumors metastasized to the lung. Rats implanted with tantalum or DU pellets did not develop tumors at the implantation site. In addition, WA-implanted rats (high-dose group) exhibited splenomegaly and hematological changes suggesting polycythemia as early as 1 month after pellet implantation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA458401

Entities

People

  • Alexandra C. Miller
  • David E. Mcclain
  • John F. Kalinich

Organizations

  • Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Arteries
  • Blood
  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Health Services
  • Laboratory Animals
  • Lymphatic System
  • Lymphocytes
  • Medical Personnel
  • Thymocytes
  • Wounds And Injuries

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology