Release of Potassium from the X-Irradiated Mammalian Heart.

Abstract

Exposure of the isolated perfused rabbit heart to X-ray (250 kv, 15 ma, 500 r/min.) increased the K in the perfusate 12% over the control level in 5 min. Hearts receiving 1000 r released 4 times as much K in 1 hr. as did controls, and 500 r caused a detectable release. In the dog with open chest the heart X-rayed in situ (150 r/min.) released K into the coronary circulation, the magnitude of effect and radiation dose being similar to those in the rabbit heart.