The Initial Early Distribution of Monomeric 239 Pu and 241 Am in Rat Liver as Determined by Triton WR 1339 Injection

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Abstract
The subcellular distribution of i.v. injected monomeric 239Pu and 241Am in rat liver was investigated using the injection of the nonionic detergent Triton WR 1339 as a method for obtaining purified lysosomes. Triton WR 1339 injection 2 day after the admimistration of the nuclides with sacrifice 4 days later caused a shift of the equilibrium density of lysosomes from .apprx. 1.20-1.10 g/cm3. A considerable proportion (.gtoreq. 40%) of both nuclides move to lighter densities under the influence of Triton WR 1339 with a corresponding shift of 2 lysosomal marker enzymes. These observations and the lack of correspondence between the radionuclide distribution profiles and the marker enzymes for other cell organelles imply lysosomes were an important storage organelle for 239Pu and 241Am in rat liver at the 6th day after injection. Due to considerable overlapping of the profiles ascertaining the role of the pericellular membranes was difficult. Radionuclides may be associated partly with 59Fe-binding components of the cell. The possibility of artifacts is not excluded. The use of Triton WR 1339 in subcellular binding causes several problems needing careful consideration.