Effects of the radiation factor upon the structure of the gastric mucosa

The mucous membrane of the stomach is extremely sensitive to the effects of total irradiation. Its reaction is largely non-specific. As is the case with many extreme factors, irradiation causes an increase in the mucoid secretion of the epithelium. The granules of the mucoid secretion are discovered even in main cells. Some of the highly specialized components of the epithelium are destroyed. Cells that have retained their viability change their structure and flatten, and their secretory activity is reduced. A sharp drop in the mitotic activity of the cambial zones of the stomach epithelium, enlargement of the nuclei accompanied by changes in the composition of their chromatine, and an increase in the number of amitotic divisions in the epithelium should be considered specific reactions of the mucous membrane to the action of total irradiation. Depletion of the connecting tissue by wandering and alien cells and a coarsening of the intermediate substance should be considered specific reactions of the connecting tissue to total irradiation. (author)