Strontium biokinetic model for the pregnant woman and fetus: application to Techa River studies

J Radiol Prot. 2015 Sep;35(3):659-76. doi: 10.1088/0952-4746/35/3/659. Epub 2015 Aug 21.

Abstract

A biokinetic model for strontium (Sr) for the pregnant woman and fetus (Sr-PWF model) has been developed for use in the quantification of doses from internal radiation exposures following maternal ingestion of Sr radioisotopes before or during pregnancy. The model relates in particular to the population of the Techa River villages exposed to significant amounts of ingested Sr radioisotopes as a result of releases of liquid radioactive wastes from the Mayak plutonium production facility (Russia) in the early 1950s. The biokinetic model for Sr metabolism in the pregnant woman was based on a biokinetic model for the adult female modified to account for changes in mineral metabolism during pregnancy. The model for non-pregnant females of all ages was developed earlier with the use of extensive data on (90)Sr-body measurements in the Techa Riverside residents. To determine changes in model parameter values to take account of changing mineral metabolism during pregnancy, data from longitudinal studies of calcium homeostasis during human pregnancy were analysed and applied. Exchanges between maternal and fetal circulations and retention in fetal skeleton and soft tissues were modelled as adaptations of previously published models, taking account of data on Sr and calcium (Ca) metabolism obtained in Russia (Southern Urals and Moscow) relating to dietary calcium intakes, calcium contents in maternal and fetal skeletons and strontium transfer to the fetus. The model was validated using independent data on (90)Sr in the fetal skeleton from global fallout as well as unique data on (90)Sr-body burden in mothers and their still-born children for Techa River residents. While the Sr-PWF model has been developed specifically for ingestion of Sr isotopes by Techa River residents, it is also more widely applicable to maternal ingestion of Sr radioisotopes at different times before and during pregnancy and different ages of pregnant women in a general population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Burden
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Fetus / metabolism*
  • Fetus / radiation effects*
  • Food Contamination, Radioactive
  • Fresh Water / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Maternal Exposure
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant Women*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Monitoring
  • Radioactive Hazard Release
  • Radioactive Waste / adverse effects*
  • Radiometry / methods*
  • Rivers / chemistry*
  • Russia
  • Strontium Radioisotopes / pharmacokinetics*
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Radioactive Waste
  • Strontium Radioisotopes
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive