PROMPT REACTIONS OF THE RABBIT TO X-RAYS,
Abstract
Ionizing radiation is known to act as a stimulus for the visual and olfactory systems. Its capacity to act as a stimulus when regions of the body other than the head are exposed was investigated. The rabbit, maintained in a steady sleep-like state induced by reflex immobilization ('animal hypnosis') was the test animal. The prompt occurrence of behavioral arousal, heart rate alteration and/or a change in regular respiratory movements in response to a short, 'pulse' of X-rays (250 kVp) was used to indicate neural activation (stimulation). In contract with trunk exposure, exposure of the head, that included olfactory and visual structures in the field, produced reactions in from 74 to 84% of the tests. With an increase in dose rate to 3.6 R/sec (1-3/4-sec pulse), which produced a 100% response incidence with anterior-head exposure, exposure of the upper abdominal region (including the stomach) produced a 57% incidence. Response incidences of 43% and 33% were obtained with this exposure of the lower thoracic and lower abdominal regions, respectively, indicating that trunk sensitivity is not sharply localized. These results indicate that, although the anterior head regions is the most sensitive, exposure of abdominal or thoracic regions may also result in neural activation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 03, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0686649
Entities
People
- Edward L. Hunt
Organizations
- Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory