Protein Content and Composition of Rat Serum as Related to Amount of Whole-Body X-Irradiation

Abstract

Electrophoretic investigations of rat blood serum after whole-body X-irradiation (180 kV, 10 mA, 0.5 mm Cu and 3 mm Al filters, target distance 40 cm, intensity 50 r/minute) revealed characteristic changes in protein composition. One to three days after 400 r and higher doses serum alpha globulin increased, albumin and gamma globulin decreased. Following 200 r, a significant increase of gamma globulin was noted on the 10th day. Total protein was lowered after 600 r and higher doses. These changes, their magnitude and latent period, are related to the amount of radiation. This is also the case in the 1000 to 14000 r range, where animals have a constant survival time of 3,5 days.