Changes in Brain Excitability after Whole-Body X-Irradiation in the Rat

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Abstract
A single exposure to 500 r of whole-body X-irradiation produces prolonged changes in threshold and pattern of electroshock convulsions in rats. Irradiated animals have lower electroshock seizure thresholds, shorter maximal seizures, and longer periods of depression than controls. When their body weight is kept at the reduced levels characteristic of irradiated rats, pair-fed rats do not show these changes in threshold and pattern of electroshock seizures. Statistically significant differences between irradiated and nonirradiated rats in responses to electroshock convulsions were observed within the first 10 postirradiation days, and these irradiation effects persisted for the duration of the experiment, i.e., 180 days. These data indicate that whole-body irradiation produces a state of brain hyperexcitability and decreases the ability for sustained heightened nervous activity.

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