STUDY OF IRRADIATED BONE .1. HISTOPATHOLOGIC AND PHYSIOLOGIC CHANGES

Abstract

Histologic and tracer techniques were used to investigate alterations in bone pathophysiology subsequent to irradiation of the left hind limb of rabbits. Numerous time-dependent changes were observed. Among these were an inflammatory response shortly after irradiation and an increase in the remodeling of cortical bone peaking between 3-6 mo. after irradiation. The changes in bone remodeling correlated with changes in vascular patency in a manner consistent with the hypothesis that radiation damage in mature bone is mediated primarily through alterations in the fine vasculature. Important information on the time course of changes in bone pathophysiology following regional irradiation was given. They are used to help establish the mechanisms responsible for postirradiation alterations in the localization of Tc-99m pyrophosphate in these rabbits.