Effect of Progressive Changes in Body Temperature of Rats on Tissue Oxygen-tensions, in Relation to Radiosensitivity

Abstract
Oxygen-tens ions, measured polarographically in tissues of rats subjected to progressive hypothermia and hyperthermia, are reported. Corresponding radiosensitivity values have been estimated and indicate that both hypothermia (15[degree]C) and hyperthermia (41[degree]C) cause radioprotection due to "oxygen effect", with a reduction in radiosensitivity of haemopoietic tissues to ~ 75 per cent and 85 per cent of maximum values respectively. The physiological reasons for these findings are discussed.