Pathologic changes in the lung following single and multi-fraction irradiation

Elizabeth L. Travis, Russell A. Harley, Jimmy O. Fenn, Christopher J. Klobukowski, Henry B. Hargrove

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

79 Scopus citations

Abstract

The limiting factor in the treatment of malignant disease with irradiation is the tolerance of normal tissue irradiated. In the present study the right lungs of rats were exposed to single doses of 2000 rad of X-radiation, to 10 × 200 rad, or to 5 × 400 rad. Animals from each group were sacrificed monthly for 6 months post exposure. Sections of lung were examined by light microscopy (LM) and by scanning or transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). A focal exudative lesion was seen at 2 months after the single dose; it progressed to a proliferative and then reparative, fibrotic lesion by 6 months. Changes in epithelial lung components, particularly the presence of Type II pneumocytes, were found with both LM and TM. Vascular changes were less pronounced. A striking finding was the presence of mast cells in the alveolar walls. Neither of the mufti-fraction schedules produced any of these changes, except hyperplasia of Type II cells following 5 × 400 rad. The possible implication of Type II and mast cells in radiation pneumonitis and fibrosis is discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)475-490
Number of pages16
JournalInternational journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
Volume2
Issue number5-6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1977
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Late injury
  • Lung
  • Mast cells
  • Multiple fractions
  • Radiation
  • Type II pneumocytes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiation
  • Oncology
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Cancer Research

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