Production of Increased Capillary Fragility in Rats Following Irradiation.

Abstract

Commercial radon ointment, 500 E.S.U., usually 1 ml., was introduced into the peritoneal cavity of normal rats, and 1-8 wks. later an increase in capillary fragility was demonstrable in the peritoneal vessels. The test used consisted simply of stretching the. peritoneum over an artery and veins with the fingers until the vein, but not the artery, was obliterated. After 2 mins., in a positive test, petechia appeared distal to the point of venous obstruction, but did not appear in normal animals.