Abstract-Neptunium (237Np) administered intravenously as a citrate complex was acutely lethal to female rats at dose levels above 6 mg/kg while males tolerated as much as 24 mg/kg. Hepatic and renal damage was sustained in all rats at dosages equal to or greater than 6 mg/kg. Hepatic damage consisted of morphological changes-cloudy swelling, fatty degeneration and lobular necrosis-and biochemical changes-fat accumulation, elevated Ca2+ and reduced K+ concentrations. Renal tubular damage was similar to that observed in uranium poisoning. Both hepatic and renal damage appeared earlier and were more severe in females leading to their higher sensitivity and greater mortality. While the acute chemical toxicity of 237Np has been demonstrated, preliminary calculations indicate that the radiological hazard is more important for extended exposure, and no change is warranted in the current values fox maximum permissible body burden or critical organ burden.
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Mahlum et al. (1966) studied this question.