Effect of Progressive Changes in Body Temperature of Rats on Tissue Oxygen-tensions, in Relation to Radiosensitivity

Summary

Oxygen-tensions, measured polarographically in tissues of rats subjected to progressive hypothermia and hyperthermia, are reported. Corresponding radiosensitivity values have been estimated and indicate that both hypothermia (15°c) and hyperthermia (41°c) cause radioprotection due to ‘oxygen effect’, with a reduction in radiosensitivity of haemopoietic tissues to ∼ 75 per cent and ∼ 85 per cent of maximum values respectively. The physiological reasons for these findings are discussed.