Development and Application of Radiation-Induced Skin Injury Animal Models Based on Strontium-90 β-rays

Radiation-induced skin injury is a severe complication frequently encountered in nuclear accident emergencies or radiation-related occupations, necessitating the establishment of standardized, specificity-focused injury models for mechanistic research. Conventional gamma or high-energy X-rays, with strong penetrating ability, induce skin damage but inevitably trigger complex deep-tissue reactions, interfering with investigations of superficial skin effects. Given the risk of pronounced superficial tissue damage from β-radiation in scenarios such as nuclear fallout, we developed a strontium-90 (⁹⁰Sr) β-rays source-based animal model of radiation-induced skin injury to address this challenge. This model leverages the physical property of β-rays, which deposit energy predominantly in superficial tissues, enabling precise simulation of localized biological effects caused by radiation material contact with the skin while avoiding the potential systemic responses triggered by deep-penetrating radiation. This study systematically outlines the entire workflow, including ⁹⁰Sr radiation source parameterization, animal irradiation protocols, and pathological specimen collection and evaluation methods. This model provides a reliable animal tool for elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms of radiation-induced skin injury and stimulating the development of mechanistic investigations or therapeutic strategies.