Pathologic effects of fractionated fast neutrons or photons on the pancreas, pylorus and duodenum of dogs

Journal Article · Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1983 · Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-3016(83)90324-3· OSTI ID:7013100

Zook, B C; Bradley, E W; Casarett, G W; Rogers, C C

Thirty-nine adult male Beagles received either fast neutron or photon irradiation to the right thorax to determine the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of fast neutrons on normal pulmonary tissue. The right anterior abdomen was included in the field of radiation. Twenty-four dogs (six/group) received fast neutrons with an average energy of 15 MeV to total doses of 1000, 1500, 2250 or 3375 rad in four fractions per week for six weeks. Fifteen dogs received 3000, 4500, or 6750 rad of photons (five/group) in an identical fractionation pattern. All neutron irradiated dogs receiving 3375 and 2250 rad and one receiving 1500 rad developed clinical signs of pancreatic, hepatic and gastrointestinal disturbances. The liver enzymes of these dogs became elevated and they died or were euthanized in extremis 47-367 days after irradiation. Only one 6750 rad photon dog developed similar signs and died 708 days post-irradiation. Five neutron and 10 photon exposed dogs died of other causes. Neutron-induced lesions in the stomach and duodenum included hemorrhages, erosions, ulcerations and fibrosis. Ulcers perforated the GI tract of five dogs. Pancreatic lesions included degranulation and necrosis of acinar cells, fibrosis and atrophy. Islet cells were not obviously damaged. All lesions were associated with degenerative and occlusive vascular changes. The RBE of fast neutrons, assessed by clinical signs, gross and microscopic pathology, is approximately 3-4.5 for pancreas and about 4.5 for pylorus and duodenum.

• Research Organization: George Washington Univ. Medical Center, DC
• OSTI ID: 7013100
• Journal Information: Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 9:10
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
FAST NEUTRONS
RBE
FIBROSIS
RADIOINDUCTION
HEMORRHAGE
PANCREAS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
SMALL INTESTINE
ULCERS
BEAGLES
ENZYME ACTIVITY
LUNGS
MEV RANGE 10-100
PHOTON BEAMS
ANIMALS
BARYONS
BEAMS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DOGS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
ENDOCRINE GLANDS
ENERGY RANGE
FERMIONS
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
GLANDS
HADRONS
INTESTINES
MAMMALS
MEV RANGE
NEUTRONS
NUCLEONS
ORGANS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SYMPTOMS
VERTEBRATES
560152* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Animals