Abstract
Summary
The weight loss and degree of cytological alteration in the thymuses of rats was less whole-body exposure to quantities of X- or γ radiation above 10,000 r than after exposure to smaller dosages. Administration of 10,000 to 30,000 r of localized radiation to the thymic region, or to the body with the head shielded, was regularly followed by significantly greater cellular destruction and weight loss in the thymus than occurred after whole-body exposure to the same dose of radiation. Whole-body re-exposure to a massive dose of radiation within one hour after an initial total-body exposure to a small dose was regularly followed by less weight loss and cellular destruction in the thymus than occurred after total-body exposure to the small dose alone. The findings show that exposure of the head during massive whole-body irradiation markedly influences the cellular response in the thymus.
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