OT-7. Uptake of Iodine-131 in Normal Newborn Infants in Iowa City
In 1963, the University of Iowa, Iowa City conducted studies on the uptake of iodine-131 (I-131) in
newborn infants. Twelve male and 13 female infants were included in this study. All were less than
36 hours old, weighed between 5.5 and 8.5 pounds, and were considered to be healthy and normal.
Less than 1 microcurie of iodine-131 (I-131) was administered to each newborn. Eight received the
radioiodine orally and 17 by intramuscular injection. The concentration of I-131 in the thyroid was
measured using a thyroid gamma probe. Measurements were continued at intervals of 2 to 8 hours
for 3 to 4 days.
This study showed that I-131 was taken up by the thyroid at a higher level and more rapidly when
administered by injection rather then ingestion. This study was supported by the U.S. Atomic Energy
Commission and the American Cancer Society. (Previously described in #4 on the original list of 48
experiments released by DOE in June 1994 and included in The DOE Roadmap of February 1995)
References
Morrison, R.T., J.A. Birkbeck, T.C. Evans, and J.I. Routh. Radioiodine Uptake Studies Newborn
Infants. Journal of Nuclear Medicine. Vol. 4, 1963, pp.162 166.
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Human Radiation Experiments Associated with the U.S. Department
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