Ineffectiveness of Radiant Energy on Hemorrhagic Anemia in Dogs. ∗

Abstract

Twenty white animals in which the Hb level had been reduced by 3 or 4 successive hemorrhages, at from 2 to 3 days intervals to between 35 and 50%, were fed the standard Whipple (salmon bread) diet and irradiated with the flaming C (“Pan Ray”) arc. The interval between successive exposures, as well as their number and intensity, was varied in different experiments and in successive periods of the same experiment. The efficacy of the experimental procedure in effecting regeneration was measured by the amount of Hb which had to be removed during the experimental period, as compared with that removed during earlier and later control periods, in order to keep the Hb at the chosen reduced level.

Such irradiation produces a marked increase in the number of erythrocytes which progressively decrease in size but maintain a normal saturation, as was earlier reported for “normal” animals. The eventual decrease in red cell number during the later part of the post-irradiation period is accompanied by a reciprocal increase in the size. A pronounced increase in the percentage of reticulocytes usually precedes that of the total red count. In 5 experiments the reticulocyte percentage is double, or more than double, that preceding irradiation. Massive exposures (75 to 133 g. cal. per sq. cm.) given at long intervals are usually more effective than are smaller doses repeated more often.

An increase in Hb was noted in only one experiment. In 11 cases the amount of Hb formed during and immediately following the irradiation period was less than in previous or later control periods. In the remaining 8 cases there was no effect. It is to be emphasized that dried peaches, apricots, or lettuce added to the diet of animals which had shown no response to radiation produce their typical influence, although the accelerated Hb regeneration produced by adding these substances to the standard diet was not demonstrably influenced by any dosage of radiant energy.