Effect of Total Body X-Irradiation on Serum Electrolyte Levels and Electrocardiograms of the Golden Hamster

Abstract

Disturbances were found terminally in serum K and Na, ecg., and circulation in the cheek pouch of male hamsters after total body X-irradiation with 1000 r. The K concentration increased and Na decreased, accompanied by progressive decreases in the amplitudes of both T and P waves on the ecg. Bradycardia, depression of the S-T segment and, in some cases, prolonged Q-T intervals and reversed T waves occurred near death. Severe vasoconstriction coincided with electrolyte and ecg changes. Only slight increases in serum K were found after 1500 r, and no significant alterations were detected in electrolyte levels, ecg or blood vessels of the cheek pouch after 600 r.