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Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
Hypoadrenocorticism in beagles exposed to aerosols of plutonium-238 dioxide by inhalation
R E Weller1, R L Buschbom, G E Dagle
1Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, USA.
Abstract:
Hypoadrenocorticism, known as Addison's disease in humans, was diagnosed in six beagles after inhalation of at least 1.7 kBq/g lung of 238PuO2. Histological examination of adrenal gland specimens obtained at necropsy revealed marked adrenal cortical atrophy in all cases. Autoradiographs showed only slight alpha-particle activity. Although the pathogenesis of adrenal cortical atrophy in these dogs is unclear, there is evidence to suggest an autoimmune disorder linked to damage resulting from alpha-particle irradiation to the lymphatic system.
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