II. Adaptation to Continuous Irradiation: Observations on the Rat Intestine

Abstract

A study has been made of the response of the intestinal epithelium of the rat to continuous irradiation at dosage rates up to 415 rads per day. Soon after the commencement of irradiation, signs of radiation injury appear in the crypts and villi, but these changes are not progressive and a steady or near-steady state develops. The cells may acquire increased radiation resistance; a possible mechanism is discussed.