Lung damage in C57Bl mice following thoracic irradiation:: enhancement by chemotherapy

Abstract

C57Bl mice were treated with thoracic irradiation to doses in the range 12.0-18.9 gray. Few deaths were observed in the period 80-160 days after irradiation (an end-point of lung damage used by other investigators) and the median survival times ranged from 200-310 days. CBA mice treated under identical conditions predominantly died between 80-160 days. C57Bl mice apparently show unusually prolonged survival following this treatment. Chemotherapeutic [anticancer] agents [methotrexate, vinblastine, actinomycin D, bleomycin, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide] were given to C57Bl mice together with thoracic irradiation, in most cases 2 wk beforehand. Adriamycin, bleomycin and cyclophosphamide enhanced the mortality of the mice. Most agents had little effect on radiation-induced skin damage.