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Glial recovery patterns in rat corpus callosum after x irradiation during infancy

Journal Article · · Exp. Neurol.; (United States)

Beginning on Day 2 after birth the head region containing the corpus callosum in three groups of male rat pups was exposed two (2X), four (4X) or eight (E8X) times to low-dosage x radiation (150 to 200 R) on successive or alternate days. A fourth group of male rat pups was started on a series of eight exposures on Day 8 (L8X). The effects of irradiation-induced interference with glial cell accumulation were assessed at 30, 60, 120, and 200 days of age by determining the number of cells per unit area, total area, and total number of cells in anatomically matched sagittal sections. The 2X and 4X groups had control values in all parameters at 30 and 60 days, which tended to decrease by 120 and 200 days. In contrast, a marked reduction in all parameters was seen in both E8X and L8X groups at 30 days. By either 60 (E8X) or 120 (L8X) days, there was recovery to control values in cells per unit area. Both total area and total number of cells showed only partial recovery in the 8X groups. The initial effect on only the 8X groups is due to the exposures extending into the third week when gliogenesis is at its peak. The delayed effect in all groups may be a suppression of the normal increase in glial cells of the corpus callosum which occurs during the adult period.

Research Organization:
Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, IN
OSTI ID:
5339935
Journal Information:
Exp. Neurol.; (United States), Journal Name: Exp. Neurol.; (United States) Vol. 54:2; ISSN EXNEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English