Changes in serum amylase levels of the rat following x-irradiation

Adult male Wistar rats were given whole-body x-ray doses of 12.9, 51.6, 154.8 and 206.4 mC/kg (50, 200, 600, and 800 R) and the resulting changes in serum α-amylase levels were studied for up to 31 days after radiation treatment. Irradiation was followed by a distinct increase in the activity of α-amylase which was most marked with animals exposed to 154.8 and 206.4 mC/kg. In these dose groups, activity reached peak values at approximately 10 hours post-irradiation and then fell below normal at 24 days. A similar pattern of hyperamylasemic response was found after irradiation of the head with 206.4 or 309.6 mC/kg (800 or 1200 R). Possible explanations for these effects are presented on the basis of the concomitant histomorphological changes seen in the pancreas and salivary glands. (author)