PMID: 8955720Dec 1, 1996Paper

Hypoadrenocorticism in beagles exposed to aerosols of plutonium-238 dioxide by inhalation

Radiation Research
R E WellerC R Watson

Abstract

Hypoadrenocorticism, known as Addison's disease in humans, was diagnosed in six beagles after inhalation of at least 1.7 kBq/g lung of 238PuO2. Histological examination of adrenal gland specimens obtained at necropsy revealed marked adrenal cortical atrophy in all cases. Autoradiographs showed only slight alpha-particle activity. Although the pathogenesis of adrenal cortical atrophy in these dogs is unclear, there is evidence to suggest an autoimmune disorder linked to damage resulting from alpha-particle irradiation to the lymphatic system.

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