262
Trace Elements in Abiotic and Biotic Environments
content in agricultural production and human nutrition are not a reality, so its toxic
effects are not important (Szabó 2009).
Data on safety dose of Re and its compounds can vary widely, depending on its
forms. Soluble salts, such as the Re halides or perrhenates, could be hazardous due to
both Re and associated elements. It has been described as relatively inert in the body
and produces transient changes in blood pressure (both hypo- and hypertensive),
tachycardia, sedation, and ataxia. In one comparative study, the lethal oral dose of
Re was about 8 times higher than that of Mo. However, one report suggests that it
could be more potent as an inhalation toxicant.
Much information is devoted to medical applications of the radioactive isotopes
of Re. In contemporary nuclear medicine, α, pure β, or β/γ emitters are used for
targeted therapy. Use of pure α and β and combined α/β emitters in oncology, endocrinology, rheumatology, and, a short time ago, interventional cardiology has been
refined as an important alternative to more common therapeutic regimens. Its two
radioisotopes, 186 Re and 188 Re, are of particular interest (Argyrou et al. 2013; Hsu
et al. 2012).
Trace Elements in Abiotic and Biotic Environments
content in agricultural production and human nutrition are not a reality, so its toxic
effects are not important (Szabó 2009).
Data on safety dose of Re and its compounds can vary widely, depending on its
forms. Soluble salts, such as the Re halides or perrhenates, could be hazardous due to
both Re and associated elements. It has been described as relatively inert in the body
and produces transient changes in blood pressure (both hypo- and hypertensive),
tachycardia, sedation, and ataxia. In one comparative study, the lethal oral dose of
Re was about 8 times higher than that of Mo. However, one report suggests that it
could be more potent as an inhalation toxicant.
Much information is devoted to medical applications of the radioactive isotopes
of Re. In contemporary nuclear medicine, α, pure β, or β/γ emitters are used for
targeted therapy. Use of pure α and β and combined α/β emitters in oncology, endocrinology, rheumatology, and, a short time ago, interventional cardiology has been
refined as an important alternative to more common therapeutic regimens. Its two
radioisotopes, 186 Re and 188 Re, are of particular interest (Argyrou et al. 2013; Hsu
et al. 2012).