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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
09:10
Intestinal Epithelial Regeneration in Response to Ionizing Irradiation
Published on: July 27, 2022
ROENTGEN RAY INTOXICATION : IV. INTESTINAL LESIONS AND ACUTE INTOXICATION PRODUCED BY RADIATION IN A VARIETY OF
1The George Williams Hooper Foundation for Medical Research, University of California Medical School, San Francisco, and the School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, N. Y.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Laboratory animals show similar sensitivity to abdominal x-rays, with rats and guinea pigs being slightly more sensitive. Birds, frogs, and reptiles exhibit high resistance, highlighting the intestinal tract
Area of Science:
- Radiation biology
- Comparative physiology
Background:
- The gastrointestinal tract is a radiosensitive organ.
- Understanding differential radiosensitivity across species is crucial for radiation therapy and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the radiosensitivity of various common laboratory animals to abdominal x-ray exposure.
- To evaluate the clinical and pathological responses to radiation across different species.
- To infer potential human intestinal radiosensitivity based on animal models.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of common laboratory animals (rats, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, frogs, reptiles) to abdominal x-rays.
- Assessment of clinical reactions and intestinal pathology following a minimal lethal dose (M.L.D.).
Main Results:
- Most common laboratory animals exhibit similar sensitivity to abdominal x-rays.
- Rats and guinea pigs are slightly more sensitive than dogs, cats, and rabbits.
- Birds, frogs, and reptiles demonstrate significant resistance, tolerating multiple lethal doses for dogs.
- Clinical reactions and intestinal pathology are comparable among sensitive species.
Conclusions:
- The intestinal tract's sensitivity to radiation varies significantly across animal species.
- These findings support the hypothesis that the human intestinal tract is also radiosensitive.
- Careful consideration of intestinal radiosensitivity is essential during abdominal and pelvic radiation therapy due to the potential for severe, irreparable damage.
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