Metabolism and effects of uranium in animals

This paper summarizes the results of animal experiments that are the foundation of our current understanding of the biological behavior or uranium. Topics discussed include: metabolism including biological transport, excretion, deposition and retention in kidney and bone; absorption after parenteral administration, feeding, inhalation, or application to skin or eye; maternal transfer; and clearance of inhaled compounds from the lung. Acute chemical toxicity, including mechanism of action and effects on renal tubules; effects on blood and urine chemistry; acute mortality after parenteral administration or application to skin or eye; and the acute toxicity of 233U. Chemical toxicity after prolonged exposure, including mortality; kidney function and pathology during chronic ingestion or inhalation; and tolerance to uranium poisoning. Radiation effects, including induction of bone tumors by soluble 232U or 233U; subacute mortality from 233U; pneumonia and fibrosis in lung and induction of lung tumors by inhaled oxides of 235U or natural U