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RADIATION CATARACTOGENESIS

Journal Article · · New York State Journal of Medicine (U.S.)
OSTI ID:4755689

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

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