The effect of x-rays on the capillaries

The authors studied the influence of 200 KV X-ray irradiation on the capillaries of the earlobe of mice. Object: They supposed that a great number of the injuries of various tissues by irradiation is caused by the deformation or transformation of the capillaries. In this report, we investigated that vascular injury to the skin of the earlobe. Materials and method: Earlobes of C-57BL mice were used. The field irradiated was 0.7 cm in diameter. The irradiation dose was 1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 and 9000 rad at a single dose of 200 KV X-ray. Injuries were observed by micro-angiography, tissue by specimens, and by microscopic examination of circulating blood in the living irradiated earlobes. Results: Changes of the capillaries were observed (dilatation, constriction, serpignous changes, hypervascular or avascular change), petechiae, epilation, ulcer, dermatitis, etc. These changes occurred in parallel with the dose irradiated, and the irregularities of the circulation were most extensive 3 to 4 weeks after irradiation. After this period, appearance of hypervascular tissue was observed. Four or 5 weeks later, the disorders decreased gradually. However in the groups of 7000 and 9000 rad irradiation, the deformation of constriction and dilatation increased again more than 100 days after irradiation. (auth.)