[The effect of highly intensive irradiation on the functional status of the brain in monkeys]

In experiments with Macaca fascicularis a study was made of early manifestations of the central nervous system (CNS) disturbances caused by exposure to 24 MeV electrons (45 Gy). The results obtained permit us to distinguish two main ways (stereotypes) by which a clinical picture of early postirradiation period develops: "comatose" and "non-comatose". A general clinical characteristic of each stereotype and stages of their development are presented. The postirradiation disturbances of nervous and psychic activity of monkeys are considered within the framework of the concept concerning acute reactions of exogenous type. It is suggested that the course of the early postirradiation period is conditioned by the "involvement" of some phylogenetically determined, universal systemic mechanisms of the CNS response to external harmful effects.