Neurobiologic effects of radiosurgery: histologic, immunohistochemical and electron-microscopic studies of a rat model.
Spinal cords of rats were irradiated with a single fraction of 14-36 Gy (group A) or 55 Gy (group B) and examined by light and electron microscopy. Degeneration and reduced numbers of motor neurons were found even at an early stage in group B animals. Necrosis in the spinal cord was found at a later stage. The ultrastructure of vessels around areas of necrosis showed degeneration of pericytes and vacuolar changes of vascular walls. This study indicates that single, high-dose irradiation causes direct effects on neurons at early stages and degeneration of vascular walls followed by necrosis at a later stage.
Inoue
H K
HK
Department of Neurosurgery, Gunma University School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.
Kohga
H
H
Hirato
M
M
Nakamura
M
M
Ohye
C
C
D000818:Animals; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009336:Necrosis; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D016634:Radiosurgery; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*