The effects of ionizing radiations on the tissues in the oral cavity region

Since in using highly energetic rays the skin as limiting factor plays no longer an important role, the type of effects of the remaining tissues which were also irradiated must also be examined. This is why within the frame of clinical-experimental radiology animal experiments must be carried out to serve as quantitative comparison to the symptoms found empirically in patients. Although the results of animal experiments are only within certain limits transferrable to human conditions, standards for therapeutic planning can be obtained. The present paper aims at testing the effect of 60Co gamma rays on the lower jaw of rabbits by the author's own experiments. The effect of ionizing rays of various qualities on the healing of a wound in a standard 'wound model' is also to be examined. Finally, mutations of the oral mucosa after tumor irradiations are discussed with reference to cytologic findings. The experimental examinations are expected to help to find an explanation, and the consequences are to be discussed for clinics and therapy using the author's own case histories. (orig./MG)