Delayed Brain Swelling and Functional Derangement after X-Irradiation of the Right Visual Cortex in the Macaca mulatta
Thirteen monkeys with catheter reservoir systems for cerebral x- irradiation at 250 lVp. 30 mA, in a single dose to the right weeks after irradiation, reflected by cerebral spinal fluid pressure 3 to 4 times baseline, with absence of visual evoked response and behavioral blindness in four, and unilateral visual evoked response depression in the other four. After the intravenous injection of Evans Blue, seven monkeys, sactificed between 20 and 36 weeks, showed proliferative and degenerative changes in the right occipital lobe which was deeply stained with dye. The swelling extended throughout the right hemisphere with distortion in brain structures. One sacrificed at 52 weeks, after resolution of increased pressure, had a fibrotic, nonstained occipital lesion with atrophic changes in both hemispheres. In five there were less pronounced functional and structural changes. Two nonirradiated controls remained within normal limits. The cause for the delayed brain swelling was a breakdown in the blood brain barrier accompanying the delayed radiation lesion, with extravasation of fluid into brain parenchyma. The impaired function was related to local destruction in the right visual cortex and swelling or compression of the visual pathways by the vasogenic edema.
- Research Organization:
- National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-29-018644
- OSTI ID:
- 4367336
- Journal Information:
- Radiation Research, Journal Name: Radiation Research Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 57; ISSN 0033-7587
- Publisher:
- Radiation Research Society
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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