title: Volumetric modifications of X-irradiated keratinocytes.
abstract: The number of epithelial cells per unit volume of tissue (NV) and the relative volume (VV) occupied by the spinous and basal layers of X-irradiated and non-irradiated rat-tail epidermis were studied using techniques of stereologic cytology. By a simple calculation, the absolute volumes of basal and spinous keratinocytes were determined in irradiated (and in non-irradiated, control) epidermis, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after exposure to a single dose of 16 Krads. During this post-irradiation period, the absolute volumetric values of both basal and spinous keratinocytes increased gradually, reaching a three-fold increase 96 h after irradiation. At the same time, the relative volume of the spinous layer increased from 58% to 75% of the total epidermis, whereas the volume fraction occupied by the basal layer decreased from 20% to 16%. These findings support previous evidence that lethally and sublethally damaged keratinocytes are capable of a metabolic effort resulting in a cell hypertrophy which in some circumstances could lead to repair and recovery from radiation damage.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002452:Cell Count; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006984:Hypertrophy; D007633:Keratins; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013623:Tail; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D007633:Keratins