Microdistribution and metabolism of 239Pu in the alveolar tissue of lungs after inhalation of its citrate complex

After inhaling 239Pu citrate in mice in 30 min 55.3 per cent the isotope is localized in different cellular elements of the alveolar parenchyma. During the first seven days the content of 239Pu decreased as a result of fast (Tsub(eff)=0.38-1.4 d) purification of the alveolar surface, intercellular substance, alveolar cells and the cells of the pulmonary epithelium. In macrophages the quantity of Pu increased. In the period between the 7th and 30th days the elimination of the isotope from all the elements of the parenchyma occurs with Tsub(eff) equal to the 9.9-16.2 d. The ways of the isotope elimination and the problems of therapy are discussed