Some perspectives on cataractogenesis from heavy charged particles
Two sets of observations on cataractogenesis in the New Zealand white (NZW) rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) following localized exposure of optic and proximate tissues to heavy ions are reported. The experiments involved measurements of lenticular opacification in young (ca. 9 weeks old) rabbits caused by graded doses (0.5-5.0 Gy) of 460 MeV/u (incident energy) 56Fe ions and the effects of animal age (9 +/- 0.3 week, 1 +/- 0.5 year, and 4.5 +/- 1.3 year) on lenticular opacifications caused by 9 Gy of 400 MeV/u (incident energy) 20Ne ions. In substantiation of earlier results from NZW rabbits exposed to other low- and high-LET radiations, there was a dose-dependent onset of cataractogenesis following 56Fe-ion irradiation, with the highest doses causing the earliest appearance of cataracts. The level of stationary cataracts was also dependent on dose, and preliminary estimates of RBE yield values comparable to those found at similar doses (0.5-5.0 Gy) by others with populations of cultured cells. With increasing age at the time of exposure to 20Ne ions, the onset of lenticular opacification was delayed progressively and the level of stationary cataracts was reduced, but the onset and progression of late cataractogenesis was most rapid in the oldest group of animals. A discussion of the use of cataract measurements in risk assessment is included in this article.
- Research Organization:
- Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins
- OSTI ID:
- 5326061
- Journal Information:
- Radiat. Res., Suppl.; (United States), Journal Name: Radiat. Res., Suppl.; (United States)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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CATARACTS
RADIOINDUCTION
IRON 56 BEAMS
RADIOBIOLOGY
NEON 20 BEAMS
AGE DEPENDENCE
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
EYES
RABBITS
RBE
ANIMALS
BEAMS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGY
BODY
BODY AREAS
DISEASES
FACE
HEAD
ION BEAMS
MAMMALS
ORGANS
RADIATION EFFECTS
SENSE ORGANS
SENSE ORGANS DISEASES
VERTEBRATES
560152* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Animals