The Effects of Fast Neutrons and X Rays on the Subependymal Layer of the Rat Brain

Abstract

Some effects of irradiation of rat brain with single doses of X rays or fast neutrons were measured. This was done by estimating the total number of cells in the subependymal layer at various times after irradiation. The gross response to X rays and neutrons was somewhat different, and the results suggest that the 2 histologically distinguishable cell types in the subependymal layer have different values of RBE [relative biological effectiveness].