Health Risk Assessment of Embedded Depleted Uranium: Behavior, Physiology, Histology and Biokenetic Modeling
Abstract
This study assesses the health risks associated with embedded depleted uranium (DU) fragments by evaluating the behavioral, physiological and histological consequences of intramuscularly implanted DU pellets in a rodent model. Animals, distributed into S experimental groups: (1) control (20 1-mmx2-mm chemically inert tantalum (Ta) pellets), (2) high dose (20 1-mmx2-mm DU pellets), (3) medium dose (10 DU and 10 Ta pellets), (4) low dose (4 DU and 16 Ta pellets) and (5) nonsurgical controls] were analyzed at the 30 day, 6 month and 12 month time points. Examination of the pellets in situ reveals fibrous tissue adhering to the DU but not the Ta pellets. Uranium levels are high and dose dependent in kidney, urine, and bone. Despite high uranium levels in kidney, no renal toxicity was evident. Body weight in high and medium DU dose animals was significantly lower than controls. Unexpectedly, uranium was found in the brain of DU implanted animals. No behavioral neurotoxicity was evident. However, excitability of hippocampal neurons was modified in the DU-implanted animals at 12 months. These data suggest that renal toxicity may be less of a hazard than anticipated but that cognitive deficits need to be considered. The 18-month time point will be completed this fall. A biokinetic model will be constructed from the uranium distribution data for predictions of uranium loads to body organs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADB236551
Entities
People
- Terry C. Pellmar
Organizations
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute