Radiotoxicity of the Alpha-emitting Bone-seeker ²²³Ra Injected Intravenously into Mice: Histology, Clinical Chemistry and Hematology

Abstract

Background: The alpha-emitter ²²³Ra, which localizes in osteoblastic active zones, including on skeletal surfaces and in osteoblastic metastases, has recently been introduced as a potential therapeutic agent against skeletal metastases. Here, the adverse effects of high dosages in animals were investigated. Materials and Methods: Balb/c mice received intravenously (i.v.) either 1250, 2500, or 3750 kBq/kg of dissolved ²²³RaCl₂ and were followed in the initial toxicity phase. At the 4-week end-point, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected to study the effects on clinical chemistry and hematological parameters. Selected organs were weighed and tissue samples examined by microscopy. Results: Treatment with ²²³Ra caused a dose-related minimal to moderate depletion of osteocytes and osteoblasts in the bones. Furthermore, a dose-related minimal to marked depletion of the hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow, and a minimal to slight extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen and in the mandibular and mesenteric lymph nodes were observed. The LD₅₀ for acute toxicity, defined as death within 4 weeks of receiving the substance, was not reached. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that high doses of the bone-seeker ²²³Ra did not completely inactivate the blood-producing cells. The relatively high tolerance to skeletal alpha doses was probably caused by the surviving pockets of red bone marrow cells beyond the range of alpha particles from the bone surfaces, and the recruitment of peripheral stems cells.