A technique for high-sensitivity alpha autoradiography of bronchial epithelium tissue

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Abstract
A technique for low-level .alpha.-particle autoradiography of bronchial epithelium utilizing the plastic track detector, CR-39, is described. This plastic is new to the field of nuclear track detection and is very sensitive to .alpha.-particles. The recording properties of CR-39 for .alpha.-particles are described in detail and the technique for autoradiography discussed. This technique includes 2 methods of background reduction enabling activities as low as 2 .alpha.-particles cm-2 to be detected. The location of the point of emission of an .alpha.-particle from the tissue surface can be determined to an accuracy of a few .mu.m. Determination of the lower limit to the energy of individual .alpha.-particles is possible from measurements of their range in the plastic. Examples are given of the determination of the microdistribution of .alpha.-particle active nuclei in human bronchial tissue including the observation of 2 hot-spots in an epithelium sample which are attributed to the presence of small particles of uranium with its daughter products.