Accumulation of anthracotic particles along lymphatics of the human lung: Relevance to “hot spot” formation after inhalation of poorly soluble radionuclides

Large lung sections of humans of advanced adult age revealed a markedly nonuniform retention pattern of dense anthracotic particle aggregates, with an impressive accumulation of this material along pulmonary lymphatics, i.e. the deep (peribronchial), septal (perivenous) and superficial (pleural) networks. Conversely, the alveolar parenchyme contained only occasional, small aggregates of macrophages heavily loaded with carbon, representing little more than 2% of this material in lung tissue. Although translocation kinetics of anthracotic particles cannot readily be compared to those of highly toxic α-emitting, poorly soluble radionuclides such as239PuO2, lymphatic drainage of the latter over the years may also be expected to lead to a concentration of radioactive material along lymph vessels. Since human data on the effects of inhaled239PuO2 are virtually lacking, the above distribution pattern is apt to help in identifying cells and other tissue components most heavily at risk. Findings are also relevant to the problem of “hot spot” formation in vivo and its possible sequelae. The latter are briefly discussed with regard to both stochastic and non-stochastic effects.