HISTOLOGIC MORPHOMETRY CONFIRMS A PROPHYLACTIC EFFECT FOR HYPERBARIC-OXYGEN IN THE PREVENTION OF DELAYED RADIATION ENTEROPATHY

In a previous publication (Feldmeier et al., Radiother Oncol 1995; 35: 138-144) we reported our success in preventing delayed radiation enter opathy in a murine model by the application of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2 ). In this study we introduce a histologic morphometric technique for assessing fibrosis in the submucosa of these same animal specimens and relate this assay to the previous results. The histologic morphometry , like the previous gross morphometry and compliance assays, demonstra tes a significant protective effect for HBO2. The present assay is rel ated to the previous assays in a statistically significant fashion. Th e predictive value for the histologic morphometric assay demonstrates a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 62.5%. The applicability of this assay to other organ systems and its potential superiority to the compliance assay are discussed.