Polyvinylpyrrolidone Labelled with ¹³¹I as an Agent for the Diagnosis of Radiation Injury in Rats

Summary

Following exposure of the gastro-intestinal tract of the rat to x-rays, either in situ or after being surgically exteriorized, plasma albumin was markedly decreased (Palmer and Sullivan 1959). Using a labelled plasmaprotein substitute, polyvinylpyrrolidone (P.V.P.), we have demonstrated that this substance, and presumably plasma protein as well, is lost through the intestinal wall in amounts proportional to the radiation dose absorbed by the gastro-intestinal tract.