Parameters of the liver function after repeated whole-body irradiation in pigs

In 3 experiments with 56 pigs the influence was examined of preirradiation at 0.5 or 1.0 Gy and a second irradiation with 2.25-3.0 Gy 4 weeks later on parameters of the liver metabolism (ASAT, cholesterol, bilirubin, urea, total protein, and protein fractions). Small doses of irradiation did not cause any pathological changes of the clinical-chemical parameters. Although some pigs died 10-24 days after the second irradiation, pathological values were obtained only in the urea concentration. Preirradiations of 1.0 or 1.5 Gy led to a complete irradiation resistance with respect to a second irradiation with 2.25 Gy 4 weeks later. (author)