Some Effects of 138-Mev Protons on Primates

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Abstract
A total of 102 primates were irradiated with spaced doses of 138-Mev protons ranging from 105 to 1220 rads, and LD50(30) of 516[plus or minus]0.09 (S.E.) for the mortality RBE [Relative Biological Efficiency]. Adjusting the 2-Mev X-ray LD50(30) to correspond to the 138-Mev proton dose rate gives an RBE of 1.0. Changes in total leukocyte count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, platelet count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrits, LDH [Lactic dehydrogenase] concentrations, and SGOT [serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase] concentrations indicate an RBE of 1 for 138-Mev protons as compared to 2-Mev X-rays. The only findings that were significantly different between these qualities of radiation were clinical. Considerably more pronounced signs of gastrointestinal injury and hemorrhage were produced by 138-Mev protons as compared to equivalent doses of 2-Mev X-rays.