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