PMID: 9170437May 1, 1997Paper

Design and performance characteristics of an experimental cesium-137 irradiator to simulate internal radionuclide dose rate patterns

Journal of Nuclear Medicine : Official Publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine
Roger W HowellD V Rao

Abstract

When radionuclides are administered internally, the biological effect can depend on the total absorbed dose and the rate at which it is delivered. A 137Cs irradiator was designed to deliver dose-rate patterns that simulate those encountered in radionuclide therapy. An 18-Ci 137Cs irradiator was fitted with a computer-controlled mercury attenuator that facilitated changes in dose rates as desired. The absorbed dose and dose rates were calibrated with MOSFET dosimeters customized for low dose-rates. Initial dose rates ranging from 0.01-30 cGy/hr can be delivered depending on the location of the cage in the irradiator and the thickness of the mercury in the attenuator system. To demonstrate the irradiator system's capability to deliver dose-rate patterns encountered in radionuclide therapy, a simulation was performed where the dose rate initially increased exponentially followed by an exponential decrease in the dose rate. The irradiator system is well-suited to expose small animals to any dose-rate pattern, thereby facilitating calibration of biological dosimeters (e.g., cell survival, chromosome aberrations), which can be used to measure the absorbed dose to a target tissue after administration of radionuclides.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.