The Effect of Gamma Irradiation on the Cardiovascular System of the Rhesus Monkey

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Abstract
A dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure has been demonstrated in the rhesus monkey, Macaca mulatto, after total-body irradiation with Co60 gamma-rays at doses of 1950, 3900, and 6600 rads. During the first hour after irradiation, the cardiac output was maintained at normal levels in all the dose groups. It decreased by 18 hours in the animals of the 6600 -rad group. Immediately after irradiation there was a diminished response of the mean arterial pressure to nor epinephrine. The response returned to normal by 24 hours in all groups except the 6600-rad group, in which it remained depressed.