Aggregation patterns of fetal rat brain cells following exposure to X-irradiation

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Teratog., Carcinog., Mutagen.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5295053

Shoji, R; Suzuki, K; Lee, I P

In our search for a simplified in vitro test system to assess the teratogenic effects of physical factors, we studied the effects of total maternal body X-irradiation on aggregation patterns of enzymatically isolated fetal rat brain cells and on ultrastructural aggregate changes. The fetal brain cells were derived from day 14 gestation fetuses of pregnant Sprague-Dawley (CD strain) rats exposed to X-irradiation (25 - 200 R) one hour prior to sacrifice. Notable changes in the cell aggregates following X-irradiation included a reduction in cell aggregate size and an increase in number. The frequency of cell aggregates was higher in the treated than in the control group, and the mean diameter of cell aggregates was inversely related to increasing X-irradiation doses. Transmission electron microscopy revealed in isolated cells features of degenerative process which were similar to those found in intact fetal brain lesions caused by maternal X-irradiation. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy revealed that inhibition of cell aggregation following X-irradiation could probably be attributed to inhibition of membrane filopodia development and a consequent failure of cell aggregates to fuse into a greater cell aggregate mass. These results suggest that the membrane factors which influence cell aggregation may be a useful parameter to assess early effects of X-irradiation-induced brain deformity. Presently, the cell aggregation culture system is being further evaluated as a short term test system for environmental teratogens.

• Research Organization: Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
• OSTI ID: 5295053
• Journal Information: Teratog., Carcinog., Mutagen.; (United States), Journal Name: Teratog., Carcinog., Mutagen.; (United States) Vol. 1:3; ISSN TCMUD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550300 -- Cytology
560152* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Animals
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AGGLOMERATION
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY
BRAIN
CELL CULTURES
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FETUSES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MAMMALS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
ORGANS
PRENATAL EXPOSURE
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
RATS
RODENTS
VERTEBRATES
X RADIATION