RADIOTOXICITY OF TL-201 IN MOUSE TESTES - INADEQUACY OF CONVENTIONAL DOSIMETRY

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 24  (2) , 145-153
Abstract
When 201Tl is concentrated in mouse testes, the low-energy Auger electrons following its electron-capture decay are much more effective in causing loss of testicular weight and reduction of sperm heads than the energetic .beta. particles from similarly distributed 204Tl. These results are contrary to expectations based on conventional dosimetry of tissue-incorporated radionuclides, and point to possible underestimation of risks by the currently adopted dosimetric procedures, especially in the case of radionuclides decaying by electron capture and internal conversion. [201Tl is widely accepted in diagnostic nuclear medicine as the radionuclide of choice for heart function studies.].