Volumetric Modifications of X‐Irradiated Keratinocytes

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Abstract
The number of epithelial cells per unit volume of tissue (Nv) and the relative volume (Vv) occupied by the spinous and basal layers of X‐irradiated and non‐irradiated rat‐tail epidermis were studied using techniques of stereologic cytology. By a simple calculation, the absolute volumes of basal and spinous keratinocytes were determined in irradiated (and in non‐irradiated, control) epidermis, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after exposure to a single dose of 16 Krads. During this post‐irradiation period, the absolute volumetric values of both basal and spinous keratinocytes increased gradually, reaching a three‐fold increase 96 h after irradiation. At the same time, the relative volume of the spinous layer increased from 58% to 75% of the total epidermis, whereas the volume fraction occupied by the basal layer decreased from 20% to 16%. These findings support previous evidence that lethally and sublethally damaged keratinocytes are capable of a metabolic effort resulting in a cell hypertrophy which in some circumstances could lead to repair and recovery from radiation damage.

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