Coronary arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis in fast neutron or photon irradiated dogs

Thirty-nine adult male beagles received either fast neutron or photon irradiation to the right thorax to obtain values for the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of fast neutrons as assessed by quantitative parameters of lung function. Fast neutrons (15 MeV avg.) were delivered in 4 fx/wk for six weeks to total doses of 1000, 1500, 2250, or 3375 rad while the photon irradiated dogs received total doses of 3000, 4500, or 6750 rad in the same fractionation schedule. The right atrium and coronary groove of the heart were included in the irradiated field. Cholesterol levels (and triglyceride levels when obtainable) were measured prior to irradiation and every three months until death. Arteries were graded (0, negative to 5, severe) for endothelial proliferation, disruption and duplication of the elastic lamina, perivascular fibrosis and the presence of foamy macrophages. All dogs that survived 75 days post-irradiation developed arterial changes; two neutron irradiated dogs showed severe atherosclerotic plaque formation. Data suggest an RBE between 4 and 5