Effect of Neutron and Gamma Radiation on Adrenaline and Noradrenaline Release in the Human

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Abstract
The effect of neutron and gamma irradiation on the release of noradrena-line and adrenaline from the sympatho-adrenal medullary system was studied. Five subjects from Oak Ridge and 2 subjects from Los Alamos were accidentally irradiated. Daily 24 hr. urines were obtained for the first 2 weeks and thereafter at progressively longer periods up to 6 years. The urine samples were bio-assayed for adrenaline [epinephrine] and noradrenaline [norepinephrine], as was also the adrenal gland of the of the subject that died. The results show that such irradiation produces a modest and temporary increase in the release of adrenaline, and a marked and prolonged release of noradrenaline, the sympathetic neuro-hormone. The greater output of noradrenaline than adrenaline suggests that the sympathetic nerves are called into greater play than the adrenal medulla following neutron and gamma irradiation. It seems particularly pertinent that these subjects showed, 4 and 6 years post-irradiation, a significant increase in the release of noradrenaline.

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