The Effect of Whole-Body X-Irradiation on Blood Pressure in the Rat

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Abstract
Blood pressure was measured at a peripheral site by a tail occlusion cuff method, while central pressure was measured by aortic intubation. There was a marked decreased in peripheral blood pressure 8 hours after exposure to 485 rads of x-rays, with a return to control values by 3 days after exposure. Aortic blood pressure, however, was not altered at this dose level. There was a mild decrease in aortic pressure 24 and 48 hours after 970 rads and a marked hypotension 8 and 24 hours following 1940 rads. The aortic blood pressure response to various stimuli was also altered after 970 rads, but not after 485 rads of x-rays. Thus, blood pressure at a peripheral site can be decreased at a dose level which does not affect central pressure. It is suggested that this differential effect in blood pressure is a result of a radiation response in peripheral circulation.