Cardiovascular Response of Monkeys to Supralethal Doses of Mixed Gamma-Neutron Radiation
Abstract
Monkeys were given a pulsed dose of 2000, 4000, 15,000, or 50,000 rads of mixed gamma-neutron radiation to determine if changes in the cardiovascular system occur before or during early transient incapacitation (ETI) which may contribute to the decrement observed after supralethal doses of radiation. The mean arterial pressure, heart rate, blood volume, and some plasma chemistry values were determined in catheterized monkeys maintained in restraining chairs before and for 1 hour following irradiation or until death. The mean arterial pressure decreased significantly within 1 to 2 minutes following irradiation in the 2000-, 400-, and 15,000-rad groups and remained depressed until 10 to 20 minutes postexposure before returning toward normal values. No significant decrease in the mean arterial pressure was observed in the 50,000-rad group until 25 to 30 minutes postirradiation. The heart rate increased significantly in the 4000-, 15, 000-, and 50,000-rad groups following irradiation. No significant changes were observed in the blood volume or plasma components measured. It appears that the mechanisms which result in an early temporary postirradiation hypotension in the monkeys at the lower supralethal doses of radiation are either inhibited or destroyed with a 50,000-rad dose.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0721698
Entities
People
- C. L. Turbyfill
- V. A. Kieffer
- W. A. Dewes
Organizations
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute