MORPHOLOGICAL PROFILES OF NEUTRON AND X-IRRADIATED SMALL-INTESTINE

This paper describes the response of mouse small intestine, at several time points after treatment with neutron or X-irradiation, using dose s expected to give similar effects in terms of crypt/microcolony survi val. Using resin histology, the effects of radiation on the numbers of duodenal cell types and measurements of tissue areas were assessed. T he results for individual parameters and for an estimate of overall da mage are given in a data display, which summarises the morphological p rofile of the organ after both types of radiation. Damage and recovery were seen for many of the parameters studied but there was no standar d response pattern applicable for all parameters. In particular, the r esponse of individual crypt cell types could not be predicted from kno wledge of the change in crypt numbers. With regard to the holistic res ponse of the gut, neutron irradiation appeared to have caused more dam age and produced more early effects than the X-irradiation. More speci fically, neutron treatment led to more damage to the neuromuscular com ponents of the wall, while X-irradiation produced early vascular chang es.