Pathologic changes in the lung following single and multi-fraction irradiation

doi:10.1016/0360-3016(77)90159-6

International Journal of Radiation OncologyBiologyPhysics

Volume 2, Issues 5–6, May–June 1977, Pages 475-490

https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-3016(77)90159-6 Get rights and content

Abstract

The limiting factor in the treatment of malignant disease with irradiation is the tolerance of normal tissue irradiated. In the present study the right lungs of rats were exposed to single doses of 2000 rad of X-radiation, to 10 × 200 rad, or to 5 × 400 rad. Animals from each group were sacrificed monthly for 6 months post exposure. Sections of lung were examined by light microscopy (LM) and by scanning or transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM).

A focal exudative lesion was seen at 2 months after the single dose; it progressed to a proliferative and then reparative, fibrotic lesion by 6 months. Changes in epithelial lung components, particularly the presence of Type II pneumocytes, were found with both LM and TM. Vascular changes were less pronounced. A striking finding was the presence of mast cells in the alveolar walls. Neither of the mufti-fraction schedules produced any of these changes, except hyperplasia of Type II cells following 5 × 400 rad. The possible implication of Type II and mast cells in radiation pneumonitis and fibrosis is discussed.

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^☆: Presented in part at the 1975 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiologists, San Francisco, Calif. (1975).

^‡: Present address: Gray Laboratory, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex 6HA 2RN, England.

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Original contributionPathologic changes in the lung following single and multi-fraction irradiation☆

Abstract

Pathol.

A pathway to pulmonary fibrosis: an ultrastructural study of mouse and rat following radiation to the whole body and hemithorax

Am. J. Path.

Ultrastructure of pulmonary bleomycin toxicity

Cancer

Bilateral radiation pneumonitis, a complication of the radiotherapy of bronchogenic carcinoma

Cancer

The continuous renewal of the two types of alveolar cells in the lung of the rat

Anat. Rec.

Ultrastructure of lung lesions produced by ingested chemicals—I. Effect of the herbicide paraquat on mouse lung

Lab. Invest.

The ultrastructure of 60Co radiation pneumonitis in rats

Lab. Invest.

Alveolar injury in acute carbon tetrachloride intoxication

Arch. Intern. Med.

Intrathoracic changes following roentgen treatment of breast carcinoma

Am. J. Roentgenol.

Fibrosis of the lung following roentgen-ray treatment for tumors

J. Am. Med. Assoc.

Development of experimental radiation pneumonitis

Arch. Pathol.

Development of radiation pneumonitis. Time and dose factors

Arch. Pathol.

Pathogenesis and reversibility of the pulmonary lesions of oxygen toxicity in monkeys—II. Ultrastructural and morphometric studies

Lab. Invest.

Pathogenesis and reversibility of the pulmonary lesions of oxygen toxicity in monkeys—I. Clinical and light microscopic studies

Lab. Invest.

Electron microscopy of Crotalaria pulmonary hypertension

Thorax

The surfactant system of the lung

Interstitial pneumonitis associated with bleomycin therapy

Am. J. Clin. Path.

Radiation pneumonitis: Ultrastructural changes in the pulmonary alveoli following high doses of radiation

Arch. Pathol.

Original contribution
Pathologic changes in the lung following single and multi-fraction irradiation☆

The ultrastructure of ⁶⁰Co radiation pneumonitis in rats