Scanning Microscopy
Abstract
The ciliated epithelium of the rabbit trachea was irradiated with daily fractions of 2 Gy up to an accumulated dose of 20 Gy (total dose: 2, 6, 10, 16, or 20 Gy). Fifteen to forty-five minutes before the start of each irradiation 0.3 mg Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cis-DDP) was given by intraperitoneal injection to each rabbit. Examinations were carried out 1-10 days after each fractionation schedule, when specimens were taken for morphological investigations.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination showed a gradual development of ciliary damage, from blebs on the cilia to swollen tips, broken and bent cilia and finally an epithelial injury with areas free from cilia, and a surface covered with microvilli-like structures. SEM also showed cell loss, and remnants of dead cells on the surface together with detritus. By transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ciliary damage, cell death and cell loss of the ciliated cell layer, as well as exfoliation of portions of goblet-like cells on the surface, could be confirmed. Scoring of SEM and TEM micro graphs showed that for the tracheal part treated with cis-DDP and radiation, the maximal damage was expressed in the dose group 10 Gy, and above this no further increase in the average reaction occurred. For the part of the trachea only exposed to cis-DDP, the damage increased with the dose. The difference observed speaks for an accelerated proliferation exerted by the radiation.
Recommended Citation
Håkansson, C. H.; Albertsson, M.; Palmegren, M.; and Ranstam, J.
(1991)
"The Response of the Tracheal Epithelium to Concomitant Cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum (II) and Radiation. An Electron Microscopic Study in Rabbits,"
Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 5:
No.
2, Article 26.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol5/iss2/26