July 4 , 2024 Editors ' notes
A closer look at cell toxins : Researchers examine how radionuclides interact with kidney cells
by Simon Schmitt , Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres
Fluorescence micrograph of rat kidney cells after treatment with radioactive heavy metal ions , the latter shown here symbolically . Credit : HZDR / TUD
When radionuclides enter our organism , whether by inhalation , ingestion , or through wounds , they pose a potential health risk . Many previous studies on radionuclide exposure have focused mainly on animal experiments . However , we have little data on toxicity at the cellular and molecular level .
Kidney cells are of particular interest because in mammals they play a central role in the detoxification of bivalent , trivalent , and hexavalent radionuclides as well as other heavy metals via urinary excretion .