LUNG-TUMORS FROM PUO2-ZRO2 AEROSOL-PARTICLES IN SYRIAN-HAMSTERS

Syrian golden hamsters were given PuO2/ZrO2 particles via inhalation and/or Pu‐laden ZrO2 ceramic 10‐μm diameter microspheres lodged in the capillary bed of the lung. The mean initial lung burdens ranged from 8 nCi to 143 nCi for the six experimental groups of animals. Significant numbers of primary lung tumors (5–50% per group) were induced in those animals that received inhalation exposures. Additional alpha radiation administered via Pu‐laden intravenous microspheres had little or no effect on tumorigenesis or the production of non‐neoplastic, degenerative changes in the respiratory tract. Copyright © 1979 Wiley‐Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company