THE EFFECT OF ISOTOPIC (I131) RADIATION AND X-RADIATION ON THE TOTAL COPROPORPHYRIN EXCRETION IN HUMANS*†

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Abstract
4 patients, 3 with carcinoma of the thyroid and one with thyrotoxicosis received varying doses of I131, and the copro-porphyrins excreted in their urine and feces extracted quantitatively by the usual solvent-separation technics. Coproporphyrin excretion increased over pre-treatment levels in all patients 7-15 days after I131. Circulating lymphocytes decreased in all cases preceding the increase in coproporphyrin excretion. Circulating reticulocytes increased in 1 patient receiving I131 and occurred concomitantly with the increase in coproporphyrin excretion. 1 patient with reticulum cell lymphosarcoma received X-radiation to the cervical and axillary lymph nodes and to the spleen, which was later followed by intraven. methyl bis (beta-chlorethyl) amine hydrochloride (HN2). His total coproporphyrin excretion increased 20 days following the onset of X-radiation therapy and continued to increase throughout the course of the study. 1 patient with abdominal lymphosarcoma received therapeutic doses of X-radiation to the abdomen. An increase in total coproporphyrin excretion was noted on the 15th day after radiation therapy was begun. A transient decrease in lymphocytes preceded the increase in coproporphyrin. 1 patient in whom no organic pathology could be demonstrated and to whom adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) was administered intramusc. in 100 mg. amts. daily for 10 days exhibited a marked increase in coproporphyrin excretion on day 9. A decrease in circulating lymphocytes and an increase in reticulocytes preceded the increase in coproporphyrin excretion.