HYPOADRENOCORTICISM IN BEAGLES EXPOSED TO AEROSOLS OF PU-238 DIOXIDE BY INHALATION

Hypoadrenocorticism, known as Addison's disease in humans, was diagnos ed in six beagles after inhalation of at least 1.7 kBq/g lung of (PuO2 )-Pu-238. Histological examination of adrenal gland specimens obtained at necropsy revealed marked adrenal cortical atrophy in all cases. Au toradiographs showed only slight alpha-particle activity. Although the pathogenesis of adrenal cortical atrophy in these dogs is unclear, th ere is evidence to suggest an autoimmune disorder linked to damage res ulting from alpha-particle irradiation to the lymphatic system. (C) 19 96 by Radiation Research Society