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In vitro dissolution of uranium oxide by baboon alveolar macrophages
J L Poncy1, H Metivier, M Dhilly
1CEA/DSV/DPTE/LRT, BP12-F-91680 Bruyeres le Chatel, France.
Environmental Health Perspectives
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Immobilizing alveolar macrophages in alginate beads improves in vitro uranium oxide dissolution testing. This method allows for higher cell density and more reproducible results for insoluble uranium compounds.
Area of Science:
- Radiological Science
- Cell Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- In vitro dissolution testing of insoluble uranium oxides using conventional methods with adherent alveolar macrophages is challenging.
- Limitations include low cell numbers per flask and slow dissolution rates in large volumes of medium.
- Macrophages in suspension are not suitable due to variable functional subtypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a more effective in vitro method for assessing uranium oxide dissolution.
- To evaluate the use of immobilized alveolar macrophages for dissolution testing.
- To determine the inhalation class of uranium octoxide (U3O8) particles.
Main Methods:
- Alveolar macrophages were obtained from baboons via bronchoalveolar lavage.
- Cells were immobilized in alginate beads after phagocytosing U3O8 particles.
- Dissolution rates were measured in vitro over time.
Main Results:
- Immobilized macrophages allowed for culturing large numbers of functional cells in a limited volume.
- The dissolution rate for U3O8 particles (3.84 microns diameter) was 0.039 +/- 0.016%/day.
- Immobilizing particles without macrophages resulted in a 2-fold increase in dissolution rate.
Conclusions:
- The immobilized macrophage method shows promise for in vitro uranium oxide dissolution testing.
- Preliminary results suggest U3O8 particles belong to inhalation class Y.
- Further studies are needed for other uranium compounds and longer-term dissolution characteristics.