Influence of X-Irradiation Upon Body Weight and Food Consumption of the Rat

Abstract

Single, total-body X-irradiations (25-10,000 r) of Sprague-Dawley rats are immediately followed by anorexia and wt. loss. Recovery is complete in 2-4 days after 25-500 r. After 800 r (80% lethal) anorexia and wt. loss persist until death in rats dying within 7 days, but only 4-5 days in those surviving longer. Twenty-eight-day survivors show lasting recovery; while non-survivors show a sharp fall in food intake beginning on days 10-12 and lasting until death. Severe, irreversible anorexia and wt. loss follow 1000-10,000 r. Degree of responses depends upon radiation dosage. Magnitude of wt. loss depends upon the degree of anorexia. Single, partial-body (head, chest, abdomen, etc.) exposures to 800, 1200 and 5000 r elicit similar responses, the degree and duration of which depend upon radiation dosage and the part irradiated. Exposure of the abdomen and of the hind legs-tail produces the greatest and least effects, respectively. Possible explanations of the responses are discussed.