MORPHOLOGIC AND FUNCTIONAL CHANGES IN THE HAIR FOLLICLE AFTER X IRRADIATION

Journal Article · Mon May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1961 · Giorn. Ital. Dermatol.

OSTI ID:4629021

Piredda, A; Toti, A

ABS>The effect of x rays on the hair was investigated in 12 human subjects being treated for skin diseases on the scalp with relatively soft radiation (10- to 50-kv). Doses of approximates 100 r had no apparent effect on hair growth but growth was depressed by subepilating doses of 250-300 r (40-50 kv). This effect was more marked with 50- than with 40-kv x rays, the latter at doses of 250 r producing a 60% decrease in the rate of hair elongation. This depression was first noted l3 days after irradiatioii and was most marked at the 40th day, whereas by the 60th day the length of irradiated hair had nearly reached that of nonirradiated hair. After epilating doses of 400 to 1000 r, decrease in hair growth was first seen by the 5th to 8th day and loss of hair from the 18th to 20th day. The degree of pigmentation of the scalp did not appear to affect the action of radiation on the hair follicles. Microscopic examination of the hair showed that subepilating doses caused an hourglass-like constriction of the proximal portion of the hair, the extent of constriction being roughly proportional to the dose. In contrast, after epilating doses the hair becomes tapered toward the proximal end. Neither of these effects were seen below 100-r or above 1000-r doses of 50-kv radiation. The hourglass-like constriction was max at a level 3-4 mm above the skin surface, whereas the taper produced by 400-1000 r began at 0 to 1 mm below the surface of the skin. Studies with the polarizing microscope showed that doses above 100 r of 43-kv x rays caused a dose dependent diminution in the birefringence, but in the constricted region the birefringent material appeared to be uniformly and symmetrically distributed with respect to the axis of the hair. After 400--1000 r the birefringence of the tapered end of the hair was also reduced; degree of pigmentation of the scalp did not influence these changes. These morphologic and refractive changes were not seen in the hair follicles of isolated samples of scalp irradiated with doses as high as 20,000 r, showing the importance of metabolic factors on their induction. (BBB)

• Research Organization: Universita, Ferrara, Italy
• NSA Number: NSA-17-038791
• OSTI ID: 4629021
• Journal Information: Giorn. Ital. Dermatol., Journal Name: Giorn. Ital. Dermatol. Vol. Vol: 102
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: Italian

Related Subjects

ANISOTROPY
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BIREFRINGENCE
DISEASES
EPILATION
HAIR
MAN
METABOLISM
MICROSCOPY
PIGMENTS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION INJURIES
RADIOTHERAPY
REFRACTION
SKIN
TISSUES
X RADIATION