The Effect of X-Irradiation on the Parietal Cell Population in the Intact Guinea-Pig

Abstract

Histological studies and parietal cell counts were carried out in guinea-pigs after x-irradiation to the stomach area. There was a pronounced reduction of the parietal cell mass, parietal cell density, and glandular mucosal volume. A reduction of a lesser degree persisted one year after irradiation, although the mucosa appeared almost normal. The histological changes were most pronounced during the period of two to four weeks after irradiation and resembled those seen in humans with chronic atrophic gastritis.

Key-words:

• Atrophic gastritis
• guinea-pigs
• irradiation
• parietal cell population