Radiation Effects on Pneumococcal Infection Produced by Subcutaneous Injections into White Mice)

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Abstract
The time of appearance of bacteremia, and the time from bacteremia to death were determined in mice given a subcut. injection of Type III pneumococcus immediately, 3 days and 6 days after X-irradiation with 350 r. One hundred sixty mice were studied in small groups. When injection was made 3 days after irradiation the death rate was increased and the time required for bacteremia to be established was decreased over that of controls. At 6 days after irradiation, death rate was increased, time for bacteremia to appear was unchanged, but the time from bacteremia to death was decreased. These findings suggest that irradiation in this dosage lowers local defenses in a 3 day period, while blood clearing mechanisms are not affected until 6 days.