[Histonet] Microcurium

[Gayle Callis]

Curium is actually an element, not a chemical.  Microcurie is a rate of
decay - this can be found on web, but did not refer to a chemical.  

See description of curium, obviously named for Madame Curie and her husband.  

Most compounds of Cm(III) are faintly yellow. If curium enters the body it
accumulates in the bones, and is
therefore very toxic as its radiation destroys the red-cell forming
mechanism. Curium is a radioactive rare earth metal. The most stable
isotope is 247Cm which has a half-life of 16 million years. Curium is
probably present in uranium ores. It has a few specialised uses but only a
few of its compounds are known.

Were you given choices on what "Microcurium" could be, as a nickname for a
chemical?  The only chemicals we spend a great deal of time with in
staining procedures that are radioactive are uranyl nitrate and uranyl
acetate, salt of uranium. However, curium IS found in uranium ores so it
was taking a maybe (or not so) educated guess here.  I'll bet John Kiernan
will know this one.  

Strange question, I have never seen this nickname in over 30+ years in
histotechnology! Guess I am missing something of historical significance??? 


Gayle Callis
MT,HT,HTL(ASCP)
Research Histopathology Supervisor
Veterinary Molecular Biology 
Montana State University - Bozeman
PO Box 173610
Bozeman MT 59717-3610
406 994-6367 (lab with voice mail)
406 994-4303 (FAX)