Liver Function in the Chick Following X-Irradiation

Abstract

Abnormal levels of some plasma constituents influenced by the activity of the liver were studied in 3-day chicks after single dose x-irradiation of 1000 r, given at 43 r/min. An approximately twofold increase in total plasma amino acid concentration was observed at 1 hour following x-irradiation and an approximately threefold increase at 3 hours following x-irradiation. Although the average increase over control values at 5 hours was the same as at 3 hours, some individual values increased to about four times the control level. Concurrently, total plasma protein decreased. There is a lack of correlation between the condition of the irradiated animal and the amino acid level or number of amino acids; increased levels occurred at 1 hour following x-irradiation in animals which appeared normal at autopsy. A similar alteration in amino acid levels has been reported in man immediately following x-irradiation; this seems to be an extremely sensitive radiation response. Mean plasma glucose levels determined in newly hatched chicks at 1, 3 and 5 hours after x-irradiation showed no significant changes from control levels. Individual animals, however, showed a hyperglycemia of 50–100 mg % over control values at 3 and 5 hours following x-irradiation. Such hyperglycemia was usually found in sick birds and was commonly associated with liver hemorrhages.