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STUDIES ON INHIBITION OF INTESTINAL ABSORPTION OF RADIOACTIVE STRONTIUM. II. EFFECTS OF ADMINISTRATION OF SODIUM
Canadian Medical Association Journal
|September 5, 1964
Summary
Sodium alginate, derived from brown marine algae, effectively reduces radioactive strontium absorption in rats, allowing essential calcium uptake. This dietary intervention shows promise for mitigating strontium contamination in humans.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Radiological Health
Background:
- Radioactive strontium (Sr-89) poses a health risk due to its absorption and deposition in bone.
- Calcium (Ca-45) shares metabolic pathways with strontium, complicating selective reduction strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of sodium alginate in selectively suppressing radioactive strontium absorption.
- To assess the impact of sodium alginate on calcium bioavailability.
Main Methods:
- Rats were administered radioactive strontium (Sr-89) and calcium (Ca-45) via orogastric intubation.
- Blood and bone levels of isotopes were measured at various time points.
- Dietary sodium alginate was administered alone and mixed with standard diets.
Main Results:
- Sodium alginate increased physiological discrimination against strontium by up to 60% within 24 hours.
- The observed ratio of Sr-89 to Ca-45 uptake was significantly reduced by sodium alginate.
- Increased dietary concentrations of sodium alginate further enhanced strontium discrimination.
Conclusions:
- Sodium alginate effectively reduces radioactive strontium absorption while preserving calcium availability.
- This method offers a potential dietary countermeasure against radioactive strontium contamination.
- Human subjects may achieve greater effectiveness due to voluntary alginate intake.