THE MECHANISM OF INHIBITION OF ACUTE X-RAY DAMAGE TO GUINEA PIG SKIN BY CORTISONE
Adult guinea pigs were exposed to an x-ray dose of approximates 5000 r over a circular field 2.6 cm in diameter on both flanks. Some of the anirnals were given daily injections of 10 mg/day cortisone acetate for 42 days following irradiation. Radioinduced hair loss was delayed in cortisonetreated animals. Desquamation occurred in all animals between the 2Oth and 40th days after irradiation; some animals of both groups showed epidermal ulcers at this stage. Deep ulceration of all layers of the skin was shown by control aninutls by the 49th day, but deep ulceration was markedly delayed in cortisone-treated animals. In the interval between superficial and deep ulceration, cortisonetreated animals showed rampart rings (due to hyperplastic hair follicle cysts) for long periods. Hyperplasia of epidermis between superficial amd deep ulceration was not diminished in cortisone-treated animals; the hyperplastic epidermis was maintained. Deep ulceration, when it occurred in control or, after cessation of treatment, in cortisone-treated animals, was preceded and accompanied by degenerative changes in arterioles. While abnormal fibroblasts were seen in the dermis of control and cortisone-treated animals, fibrosis was not excessive. It is suggested that deep ulceration was caused by blood vessel degeneration. The hypothesis that vascular connective tissue is damaged by direct radiation injury and that such damage is prevented by cortisone is proposed. Cortisone acts on the long-term process of post-irradintion change in tissues, and it is suggested that, where cortisone is used as an adjunct to radiotherapy for the prevention of damage to normal tissue, it must be given in adequate doses for very long periods. (H.H.D.)
- Research Organization:
- Harefield Hospital, Harefield, Middx., Eng.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-005915
- OSTI ID:
- 4753388
- Journal Information:
- Brit. J. Exptl. Pathol., Journal Name: Brit. J. Exptl. Pathol. Vol. Vol: 42
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
THE SUPPRESSION BY CORTISONE OF THE ACUTE LOCAL RADIATION REACTION IN THE RABBIT EAR
EFFECTS OF HEAVY HIGH-ENERGY CHARGED PARTICLES. II. PRIMARY ATYPICAL EPITHELIAL HYPERPLASIA IN MOUSE SKIN AFTER EXPOSURE TO 10-Mev PROTONS, 20-Mev DEUTERONS, OR 30-Mev /cap alpha/-PARTICLES