Radiation-Induced Changes in Skeletal Muscle

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Abstract
Ultrastructural aspects of skeletal muscle changes in rabbits after local exposure to 1,130r and 1,300r of X-ray irradiation are presented. A spectrum of multifocal lesions of muscle cells and microvasculature appearing simultaneously as early as 24 hrs. and followed up to day 40 post-irradiation is described. Muscle cell changes were characterized by myofibrillolysis, myonecrosis followed by appearance of muscle buds, focal increase in glycogen content of relatively intact fibers, and myofibcr atrophy and degeneration. Suggestive evidence for intracellular regeneration following myofbrillolysis is presented. Microvasculature showed progressive endothelial cell swelling with increased pinocytotic activity and accelerated transport of ferritin followed by a peculiar metaplastic change characterized by well developed Golgi complex and endoplasmic reticulum. Delayed fibrinoid necrosis of capillaries observed on day 28 probably resulted from toxic products released from degenerating and necrotic muscle and mesenchymal cells, and its probable role in delayed myonecrosis is discussed. Radiation induced myopathic changes seem to follow direct radiation injury and complex phenomena of interaction from changes in individual structural components of muscle.

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