Hypoadrenocorticism in Beagles Exposed to Aerosols of Plutonium-238 Dioxide by Inhalation

Hypoadrenocorticism, known as Addison's disease in humans, was diagnosed in six beagles after inhalation of at least 1.7 kBq/g lung of ${}^{238}{\rm PuO}{}_{2}$. Histological examination of adrenal gland specimens obtained at necropsy revealed marked adrenal cortical atrophy in all cases. Autoradiographs showed only slight α-particle activity. Although the pathogenesis of adrenal cortical atrophy in these dogs is unclear, there is evidence to suggest an autoimmune disorder linked to damage resulting from α-particle irradiation to the lymphatic system.