[Light microscopic and histochemical findings on the mouse lung after neutron and 60 cobalt gamma-irradiation]

The morphological changes on lungs of thorax irradiated mice, receiving a single dose of fast neutron and 60 cobalt radiation were investigated. Lungs were studied by histological and histochemical methods 2 weeks up to 10 months. Harvest changes were found after a time of 4-8 weeks. With histochemical methods more detailed damages are seen in contrast to routine histology. Two weeks post irradiation disturbances of phospholipid synthesis in alveolar epithelium cells of type II (AEC II) are found. Impairment of capillary endothelial cells are indicated by decreased activity of adenosine triphosphatase. Increased activity of beta-glucuronidase is seen in damaged bronchial epithelium.