Changes in the Central Nervous System after 700 R Total-Body X-Irradiation

Abstract

Subsequent to 700 r total-body x irradiation there are significant physiological and chemical alterations in the central nervous system of the rat. At 3 to 12 hours after irradiatfon there are significant decreases in brain DNA and in both high- and low-frequency activity in the electrocorticogram. Within the next 2 to 3 days all these measures return to or exceed normal levels, and there are - changes in the concentrations of water and electrolyte in the brain. In the 4- to l0-day period both brain DNA and the low-frequency activity with electrocorticogram are below control levels. Except for a rise at 10 days, the high-frequency activity is normal throughout this period. In general, the low-frequency electrocorticographic activity parallels changes in brain DNA. Increases in highfrequency activity occur at times coinciding with the acute and LD40 death periods. (auth)