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Changes in Brain Excitability after Whole-Body X-Irradiation in the Rat

Journal Article · · Radiation Research
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3571147· OSTI ID:4820314
A single exposure to 500 r of whole-body x lrradiation produced prolonged changes in threshold and pattern of electroshock convuIsions in rats. Irradiated animals had lower electroshock seizure thresholds, shorter maximal seizures, and longer periods of postictal depression than controls. When their body weight was kept at the reduced Ievels characteristic of irradiated rats, pair-fed rats did not show these changes in threshold and patiern of electroshock seizures. Statistically significant differences between irradiated and nonirradiated rats in responses to electroshock convulsions were observed within the first 10 postirradiation days, and these irradiation effects persisted for the duratlon of the experiment, i.e., 180 days. These data are tentatively interpreted to indicate that whole-body irradiation produces a state of brain hyperexcitability and decreases the ability for sustained heightened nervous activity.
Research Organization:
Univ. of California, Berkeley
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-16-001555
OSTI ID:
4820314
Journal Information:
Radiation Research, Journal Name: Radiation Research Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 15; ISSN 0033-7587
Publisher:
Radiation Research Society
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English