Chemical Protection of the Alimentary Tract of Whole-body X-irradiated Mice

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Abstract
Chemical protection, by AET, of the alimentary tracts of mice against radiation doses of 900, 1500 and 2000 r was studied. Although the small intestine was studied most intensively, data were also collected on the oesophagus, stomach, caecum and colon. For all measurements AET-treated mice were compared with non-treated mice and normal controls. The weights of organs and their contents were measured separately. Histological evaluation was made throughout the radiation injury and recovery period. Mitotic counts were obtained on the histologic sections of the alimentary tracts. Chemical analyses, including DNA-, RNA- and protein-synthesis, were performed on the small intestine at the 1500-r exposure level only. All measurements demonstrated a marked protective action of AET on the alimentary tract at these radiation exposure doses.