The Effect of the ?-Particle Emitter Astatine-211 in the Mouse at the Minimum Toxic Dose

Abstract

The radioactive halogen astatine-211 was injected into mice in an amount producing minimal toxicity. Histopathological examination of tissues at intervals between 3 d and 16 weeks showed the following changes:

1 Radiation-induced necrosis and progressive fibrosis of the thyroid gland. The gland was reduced to 25% of its original mass with only a few relatively normal follicles persisting.

2 A small, temporary, reduction in peripheral blood lymphocytes, platelets and red cells and a significant persistant increase in polymorphs.

3 Severe reduction in reproductive cells in the testis with some signs of recovery at 16 weeks.