ABSTRACT
Uranium and depleted uranium (DU) are only being investigated in detail for their potential neurotoxicity. It is reasonable to assume that detailed studies of the clinical neurotoxicity of uranium are lacking because the kidney is historically considered to be the target organ of clinical uranium toxicity. The DU-exposed mouse pups experienced accelerated developed on a number of indices, when compared to controls. This included righting reflexes, forelimb placing and grasping, and swimming development. The evidence presented above indicates that DU may fit the criteria as a potential neurotoxic compound in both adult and developing organisms. The challenge for future research will be to determine the dosage for animals that would reflect what humans may be exposed to. In addition to knowledge about dose we would need information about the length and manner of exposure that soldiers and civilians may be exposed to.
