The effects of X-irradiation on the mechanical properties of skin

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Abstract
The elastic properties of rat skin previously irradiated with single doses form 1000 to 3000 rad have been studied. The measurements were made 50 and 120 d after irradiation on skin specimens immersed in saline at 37 degrees c. The tests were carried out on a tensile testing machine. The load extension curve, which was plotted to the point of rupture, exhibits two portions which are identified with the aligment of the collagen fibres and then their subsequent stretching. The elastic properties associated with fibre alignment are little affected by these doses of radiation but the stiffness of the collagen itself tends to decrease with increasing dose, exhibiting a shoulder in the dose response curve.