THE EFFECT OF X-IRRADIATION ON THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ACTIVITY OF STRIATED FROG MUSCLE

Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Intern. J. Radiation Biol.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/09553006214550161· OSTI ID:4785278

Bergstroem, R M; Blafield, R; Salmi, A

Experiments were performed on decerebrated and conscious frogs (Rana temporaria) in order to study the effect of single x-ray doses on the electrical and mechanical activity of the gastrocnemius muscle under physiological conditions. Compound action-potentials of the muscle obtained by stimulation of the sciatic nerve were registered in situ in decerebrated animals until the cessation of all activity in the muscle. It was found that blocks in the mechanical and the electrical activity appeared at the same time. After loss of reaction to indirect excitation, the muscle still reacted to direct excitation. The lengih of the period after which the blocks appeared was dependent on the x- ray dose and was found to be 45 min for 150 kr, the highest dose used, and 3 hours 45 min for 35 kr. The results obtained from experiments made under physiological conditions are in agreement with earlier observations on isolated nerve-muscle preparations. After the irradiation of the gastrocnemius of conscious animals, the muscle showed spasticity, and increased reflex activity was observed. The destructive changes in irradiated muscle appeared in one hour after the irradiation with doses of about 100 kr. The speed of development of necrosis depended on the irradiation dose. A marked alteration of the cross striation, i.e. broadening of the A and I bands, was also observed in irradiated muscle fibers with the doses used (35 to 150 kr). (auth)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Helsinki
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-16-014510
• OSTI ID: 4785278
• Journal Information: Intern. J. Radiation Biol., Journal Name: Intern. J. Radiation Biol. Vol. Vol: 4
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ANIMALS
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BRAIN
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
FROGS
MICROSCOPY
MUSCLES
NECROSIS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
PHYSIOLOGY
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION INJURIES
SURGERY
X RADIATION