Appearance of cell fragments in thymus after a whole-body X-irradiation of rat.
Changes in surface architecture and three dimensional structure of rat thymus cortex were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after a whole-body X-irradiation. The samples of thymus prepared from rats 4 to 8 hr after a 400 R irradiation were observed by SEM. Normal thymocytes, having tiny microvilli and shallow ridges, decreased in number after irradiation, with a corresponding increase in radiation damaged round shaped cells with occasional protrusions and pores. With time after irradiation, smaller spherical fragments of cells having smooth or porous surfaces increased in number.
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods; D008871:Microvilli / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure