THE ROLE OF INTESTINAL BACTERIA IN THE RECOVERY FROM WHOLE BODY RADIATION

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Abstract
The effect of suppressing the intestinal bacterial flora on the ability of the radiated animal to recover following whole radiation was studied in the rat. Non-absorbable neomycin or polymyxin B, administered by gavage either before, or just after exposure prevented death following an otherwise lethal dose of x-irradiation. The effect was dependent upon the successful suppression of coliform bacteria. Delay in starting treatment is critical, for the longer the interval between radiation and treatment, the higher the mortality, even though the stool bacterial flora becomes coliform free. Treatment must be continued for 3 weeks for maximum protection. The vulnerability of the unprotected, radiated animal is related to its reduced capacity to detoxify absorbed products of intestinal bacterial growth, a disorder which is reversible if appropriate protection is provided.