The Effects of X Radiation on Peritoneal Healing: An Experimental Study

Abstract

A single dose of 1500 R can be given to an area of peritoneum in the rat with no effect on the rest of the animal, provided that adequate shielding is used. This dose of X radiation produces marked inhibition of local fibroblast proliferation in peritoneal wounds, but has no effect on the reconstitution of the serosal mesothelium. The newly formed mesothelium is probably derived principally from free-floating cells in the peritoneal exudate.