RADIATION CATARACTOGENESIS

Journal Article · Mon Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1962 · New York State Journal of Medicine (U.S.)

OSTI ID:4755689

Lerman, S

The pathological effects of various types of radiation, ranging from radio waves to cosmic rays, on the eye are considered. Neutrons, roentgen rays, and gamma rays possess the most serious cataractogenic potential. The cataracts produced by these 3 forms of radiation are similar in appearance and structure, consisting initially of posterior subcapsular and cortical opacities, requiring latent periods before becoming visible, and occurring with doses that do not necessarily produce any other clinically evident lesions. One of the earliest chemical changes observed in the lens following exposure to x radiation is a rapid fall in the level of sulfhydryl groups. Irradiation of rats causes a marked (50 to 100%) increase in the turnover of albuminoid RNA as measured by P/ sup 32/ incorporation. Turnover of albuminoid RNA usually returns to relatlvely normal limits by the second or third week. The lactic acid content in the lens begins to decrease at the third to fourth week postirradiation, and a decline in the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, as well as of some of the glycolytic enzymes, becomes manifest shortly thereafter. (P.C.H.)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Rochester, N.Y.
• NSA Number: NSA-17-015717
• OSTI ID: 4755689
• Journal Information: New York State Journal of Medicine (U.S.), Journal Name: New York State Journal of Medicine (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 62; ISSN NYSJA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
CATARACTS
COSMIC RADIATION
DEHYDROGENASES
ENZYMES
EYES
GAMMA RADIATION
GLYCOLYSIS
HYDROGEN SULFIDES
LACTIC ACID
LENSES
MEASURED VALUES
METABOLISM
NEUTRON BEAMS
ORGANIC ACIDS
PHOSPHORUS 32
QUANTITY RATIO
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION INJURIES
RADIOCHEMISTRY
RATS
RIBONUCLEIC ACID
SUGARS
TISSUES
TRACER TECHNIQUES
VARIATIONS
X RADIATION