BLOOD COAGULATION AND HEMORRHAGE FOLLOWING TOTAL BODY X-IRRADIATION IN THE RABBIT

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Rabbits exposed to single doses of total body X-irradiation from 200 to 1000 r showed a blood coagulation impairment characterized by a thrombocyto-penia, diminished clot retraction, increased clotting time of re-calcified plasma, and increased anticoagulant effect of both added heparin and toluidine blue on the clotting time. These changes can be attributed chiefly to the diminished platelet count and function following X-irradiation. No free or excess heparin was demonstrated in the blood following radiation, as evidenced by the lack of significant prolongation of the blood clotting time and negative toluidine blue titration test. The rabbit, in contrast to man, dog and guinea pig, shows an inconspicuous hemorrhagic response following X-ray exposure.