Radiation pneumonitis: The model of interstitial edema

We used the measurement of the thickness of alveolar septa in the lungs in (C57BI/6xDBA/2)F-1 mice irradiated locally in the area of the thorax with a bsorbed doses of 14, 16 and 18 Gy of gamma rays. The thickness of alveolar septa of the pulmonary tissue was measured using a computer image analysis. 24 weeks after irradiation we found a significant increase in the thickness of alveolar septa in direct relation to the dose within a range of 14 to 1 8 Gy. This indicator can be used for observation of the radioprotective and remedial interventions against the inception and the development of radiat ion pneumonitis.