Comparison of the Subcellular Distribution of Monomeric 239 Pu and 59 Fe in the Liver of Rat, Mouse, and Syrian and Chinese Hamsters

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Abstract
The subcellular distribution of 239Pu and 59Fe 10 days after i.v. injection as a citrate complex was investigated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation in the liver of rat, mouse, and Syrian and Chinese hamsters. Lysosomes were separated from other cell constituents by injection of the nonionic detergent Triton WR 1339 4 days before sacrifice. The triton-induced decrease in the density of the lysosomes was very similar in all 4 spp. and was followed closely by a corresponding decrease of the median density of the 239Pu profiles in rat, mouse, and, to a smaller extent, Syrian hamster. However, in Chinese hamster a clear correspondence between lysosomes and 239Pu was not found 10 days after nuclide injection. Apparently lysosomes are the main storage organelles for 239Pu in the liver of rat and mouse, and in all 4 spp. mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum do not play any significant role in binding the radionuclide. The relevance of pericellular membranes has to be checked. The distribution patterns of 59Fe and 239Pu were quite different.