Relatively Selective Beta Irradiation of Lymphatic Structures in the Dog Using Y90-dtpa.

By H. S. WINCHELL, MYRON POLLYCOVE, A. C. ANDERSEN AND J. H. LAWRENCE P RESENTLY available evidence suggests an association between lymphocytic cells and homograft rejection response.13 This possibility led us to develop a procedure for delivering high doses of radiation selective for lymphatic tissue but sparing of other radiosensitive structures. Yttrium-90, chelated by diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid ( DTPA ) , was chosen for this purpose. Intravenously administered Ym)o DTPA was previously reported to have a low equilibrium constant, extracellular fluid space distribution, and rapid clearance from the body into the urine.4 Its efficacy in destroying tissues that are immunologically competent was suggested by the work of Greenberg.5