[Berkelium-249 metabolism in the body of animals]

A study was made of the kinetics of metabolism and distribution of 249Bk within the albino rat body. After the intraperitoneal administration of 249Bk nitrate, the radionuclide circulated with blood for a long time and was deposited mainly in the skeleton (up to 39.8% of the quantity administered) and liver (18.4%). The radionuclide concentrations in the adrenal glands, liver, spleen, kidneys and osseous tissue were 7.3, 3.2, 1.3, 1.1, and 1.2%, respectively, of the quantity administered per 1 g of fresh tissue. 249Bk was mainly excreted in urea. During 30 days of observation 18.2% and 10.4%, of the quantity administered, were excreted in urea and feces, respectively.