The distribution of ²³⁹Pu in several strains of mice-A collaborative experiment

Solutions of ²³⁹Pu were distributed from The Radiochemical Centre Amersham, England to the participating laboratories at Casaccia, Harwell, Karlsruhe, Mol and Warsaw. Aliquots of injection solution containing ²³⁹Pu in 1% trisodium citrate were injected into five strains of mouse and the ²³⁹Pu measured in samples of soft tissues and bones at intervals up to six months after injection. The amount of ²³⁹Pu in the humeri and stock solution agreed well in the different laboratories showing thet the analytical procedures were comparable. Differences were noted in the distribution of plutonium in soft tissues and skeleton although not all could be attrbuted to differences in mouse strain. Two main conclusions were drawn: 1. 1. The results of radiochemical analyses were sufficiently close in the different laboratories to make further comparisons unnecessary. 2. 2. The distribution of ²³⁹Pu is different in some strains of mouse; with an exceptionally high liver depositon being observed in CBA mice.