THE PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION OF DARKNESS, DAYLIGHT AND CARBON ARC RADIATION

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Abstract
A white-flame carbon arc was the source of radiation; the method used for determining total energy in absolute units (gm. calories per square cm. per minute) and the percentage distribution of the energy in its spectrum is outlined. The total energy at 40 cm. distance from the lamp was about that of the sun in the city of Washington. Normal adult dogs on a standard maintenance diet were exposed to moderate or excessive doses of measured and specified radiation. With moderate irradiation, the N excretion was increased, and the absorption and retention of Ca and P from the intestine was increased. This was accompanied by a balanced relationship in serum Ca and P, the increase in the latter being accompanied by a fall in serum Ca. Excessive irradiation caused loss of appetite, malaise, and a general disturbance of the metabolic balances, with evidence of slight N retention. Under these conditions the balance between serum Ca and P gave way to simultaneous rises in both constituents. Many of the effects of irradiation were most marked in the post-irradiation period. The changes in Ca and P may have been due to alterations in the acidity of the blood or intestinal contents. There may be some relationship between the initial disturbance in metabolism and a positive or negative variation in the amount of radiant energy acting on the organism.

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