X-IRRADIATION OF DEFINED AREAS OF THE HEADS OF WEANLING RATS: EFFECT ON BODY GROWTH AND INCISOR DEVELOPMENT,
Abstract
Weanling rats whose bodies were lead-shielded, were X-irradiated to defined areas of the head. Body growth, incisal tooth development, and histopathology of the tongue and glossopharyngeal area (throat) were studied for a period of 7 weeks following irradiation. An X-ray dose of 2000 rads to the head and throat caused injury to the tongue and palate which resulted in a reduction in food intake and a marked loss in weight of the exposed rats. The more extensive the head area irradiated the higher the mortality, attaining 100 per cent deaths at 9-10 days when the entire head was irradiated. Irradiation of the throat only with 2000 rads elicited 50 per cent deaths. There was a persistent reduction in the growth rate of the survivors compared to that of non-irradiated controls. These effects were not seen if the base of the tongue only was irradiated. The maxillary incisors, which received 120 rads through the lead shielding, after 5-7 weeks were either lost or grew abnormally in all throat-irradiated rats. The same dose of X-radiation to the incisors of rats in which the base of the tongue only was irradiated, had no deleterious effect on their development. The possibility of a relationship between metabolic disturbances caused by throat irradiation, and growth of the incisors receiving low doses of X-radiation, is postulated and discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 26, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0640158
Entities
People
- J. Stanley Bailey
- Leonard J. Cole
- Louis W. Wachtel
Organizations
- Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory