Experimental radiation pneumonitis: changes in physiology of the alveolar surface
Mice received 2400 rads in two fractions to the thorax; 4 months later at a time when deaths began, mechanical and biochemical properties of the lungs were studied and compared to those of littermate controls. The principal mechanical change was a large increase in the elastance of the alveolar surface element and abnormal surface tension properties of the AF. Alveolar fluid phospholipid content and saturation were only minimally changed; however the alveolar fluid contained a large excess of protein, possible of circulatory origin. The latter may explain the fall in compliance of the alveolar surface and hence of the lung in radiation pneumoritis. A small increase in elastance of the lung tissue element was also found; this correlated with a decrease in lung volume and a small increase in lung hydroxyproline content. These changes may signify the early development of radiation fibrosis. Other features of this model are the frequent occurrence of pleural effusions and the presence of increased numbers of alveolar macrophages in the alveolar lavage.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Chicago, IL
- OSTI ID:
- 6380690
- Journal Information:
- J. Lab. Clin. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Lab. Clin. Med.; (United States) Vol. 92:6; ISSN JLCMA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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550900 -- Pathology
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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY
BODY AREAS
CHEMISTRY
CHEST
DELAYED RADIATION EFFECTS
DISEASES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EXTERNAL IRRADIATION
FRACTIONATED IRRADIATION
HISTOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
IRRADIATION
LUNGS
MAMMALS
MICE
ORGANS
PARTIAL BODY IRRADIATION
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
PHYSIOLOGY
PNEUMONITIS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
RADIOINDUCTION
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RODENTS
VERTEBRATES
X RADIATION