Effects of High-Energy Particles, X-Rays, and Aging on Lens Epithelium

Abstract

In this paper some evidence will be presented which bears upon three aspects of the problem of radiation-induced cataracts. One phase of the work pertains to the location of the radiosensitive epithelial cells, the damage of which might be the main causative factor in the formation of radiation cataract. The second part is concerned with the question of the so-called relative biological effectiveness of radiations with different linear energy transfers. A third section deals with the morphology of cell damage in the lens epithelium caused by the various radiations and that produced by old age. The study of the first question will add to the understanding of the pathogenesis of radiation cataract. The second problem is important because presently known data indicate that heavily ionizing radiations, like neutrons, apparently have a greater effect in producing cataractous changes than lightly ionizing radiations, such as x-rays. Finally, comparison of the cytological changes