Elimination of cerium-144 - physical and biological characteristics

The decontamination efficiency of the preparation pentacyn (CaNa3-DTPA) with regard to radiocerium was evaluated. Investigated were not only physical parameters (radionuclide kinetics, absorbed doses decrease), but also morphological and biochemical indexes. Four groups of male Wistar rats were treated accordingly with 144Ce; 144Ce + pentacyn; external irrradiation + 144Ce; external irradiation + 144Ce + pentacyn. External gamma irradiation was performed with a dose of 260 cGy, 144Ce (1480 kBq/animal) was introduced intratarcheally 1 h after external irradiation. Pentacyn was administred according to the following scheme, ensuring maximal efficiency and minimal toxicity: intratracheally administration 30 min after radionuclide intake by 0.2 ml and subsequent intraperitoneally applications on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 17 by 0.5 ml. Determined were the following parameters characterizing the development of fibrous process: the quantity of oxyproline in collagen, the quantity of hexosamine in lung tissues, the changes in dry mass and heart camera index. It was concluded that biological criteria are important component of the decontamination efficiency evaluation