Abstract
The low specific activity of technetium-99 and its potential accumulation in the environment make it possible that technetium could exert toxic effects by means of its radiation as well as by means of its chemical properties. Indeed, the toxic properties of technetium to plants are well documented [1] and could result from the interference of technetium with enzymes requiring molybdenum as trace element. Little information concerning the toxicity of technetium to mammals is however available. Most likely such toxic effects would appear in organs in which technetium is concentrated, as in the thyroid [2] and/or might affect in utero or postnatal development. We have therefore studied the effects of different doses of technetium given in food to rats during pregnancy and thereafter to the mothers and their offspring. Thyroid function was tested on the basis of uptake of iodine, T3, T4 and TSH serum concentrations and thyroid histology. The weights of the total body and of a variety of organs of the young rats were also measured, blood cells were counted and organ uptake of technetium was determined. Fertility of rats exposed for long periods of time to technetium was assayed in a preliminary way.
Deceased 27 August 1984.
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References
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© 1986 ECSC, EEC, EAEC, Brussels and Luxembourg
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Van Bruwaene, R., Hegela, M., Gerber, G.B., Kirchmann, R., Maisin, J.R. (1986). Toxicity of Long-term Application of Dietary Technetium to Rats and their Offspring. In: Desmet, G., Myttenaere, C. (eds) Technetium in the Environment. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4189-2_34
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4189-2_34
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-010-8361-4
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