Abstract
Summary
The effects of single doses of 250 and 500 r whole-body X-irradiation on threshold and pattern of electroshock seizures were followed in rats for 20 post-irradiation days. Irradiated rats had lower electro-shock seizure thresholds than controls. Total duration of the maximal electroshock seizures was shorter in the irradiated rats than in controls. This was due to a significant shortening of the clonic phase of the seizure. These findings are interpreted as indicating that brain excitability is increased by irradiation at 250 and 500 r. However. heightened seizure activity cannot be sustained as long in irradiated rats as in controls. The magnitude of the changes in brain convulsability was the same for the 2 doses of X-irradiation while the effects on body growth were dose-dependent in this range.
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