Histological Changes in the Larger Blood Vessels of the Hind Limb of the Mouse after X-irradiation

Abstract

The effects of 2000 r of 200 kvp x-rays on the structure of the larger blood vessels of male albino mice are described. Irradiation was delivered to one hind limb of mice either 3 or 12 weeks old. Histological studies show that at 9 weeks after irradiation and thereafter there is an increased incidence of intimal proliferation, fragmentation of the elastic lamina, over-production of elastic tissue, necrosis, hyaline thickening, thrombosis and production of collagen, in the larger vessels. The implied reduction in efficiency was found to correlate with information obtained by arteriograms (Sams 1963). It is suggested that the direct effect of radiation on the components of the vessel wall and the effect of radiation-induced fibrosis of the surrounding tissues on the vessels were both instrumental in bringing about these changes.