Changes in Cell and Plasma Volumes Produced by Total Body X Radiation

Abstract

Summary and conclusion

Following irradiation of rabbits by 1,000 r of X-rays there is a large drop in erythrocyte volume as measured by ³²P-tagged cells beginning with the 3rd day and reaching a depth at about the 17th day after irradiation, followed by a slow recovery. There is at first a slight concomitant plasma-volume drop followed by a rise on about the 10th day that elevates the lowered total volume but does not bring it up to normal in 23 days.

Similar changes occur in mice that have been exposed to 575 r.