Changes in Peripheral Nerve Tissue after Irradiation with High Energy Protons

Abstract

An investigation of the effects of proton irradiation on the sciatic nerve of the rat with reference to the time of appearance of paresis for different doses and beam widths, the histologic alterations in the nerves before and during the development of paresis, and the stages of healing is reported. The changes at intervals following the irradiation are described in detail. The findings are discussed against the background of earlier experiments on the effect of high energy protons on the central nervous system in the rabbit.