Hair Radioactivity as a Measure of Exposure to Radioisotopes

The study investigated the accumulation of radioisotopes in hair by comparing the radioactivity of shaved versus plucked hair from rats after intravenous injection of iodine-131, manganese-54, strontium-85, and zinc-65. Results showed a slight initial surge of radioisotopes into the hair, with variations in radionuclide content over time, and greater accumulation in plucked hair, which includes hair follicles. This suggested that hair could be used to measure exposure to radioisotopes and assess tissue damage and repair at the hair follicle.