| Abstract: | The irradiated gastrointestinal tract of LAF1 mice was examined one year following a single dose (1000 rad) of either 12C heavy ions or 60Co gamma rays. Qualitative ultrastructural analysis of the gastrointestinal tract of mice exposed to heavy ions or gamma irradiation did not show any discernible differences. In the stomach of irradiated mice, parietal cells contained numerous lysosomes; the gastric chief cells occasionally contained myelin figures. The epithelial cells of the small intestine, especially jejunum and ileum, showed several changes: (1) increased vacuolation was seen both inter- and intra-cellularly, (2) epithelial cell projections penetrated the basal lamina and were in contact with underlying mesenchymal cells, (3) occasional Paneth cells contained intracellular vacuoles consisting of fibrillar and granular material. In the large intestine occasional signs of degeneration were observed. Qualitative analysis of stromal elements of the gut in irradiated mice indicated the presence of damage to capillary endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and some nerve processes. The amount of basement membrane (BM) around capillaries and small vessels was increased; the same phenomenon was observed to affect the nerve processes, but with less severity. Quantitative analysis of the basement membrane thickness around capillaries in irradiated vs. control mice showed significant differences. Basement membrane thickness around capillaries in the gastric mucosa and duodenum did not differ significantly in any of the treatment groups. In jejunum, the gamma treated animals exhibited significantly higher BM thickness when compared to unirradiated controls. In ileum, only 12C-heavy ion treated animals showed thicker BM when compared to their respective controls. In colon, both 12C- and 60Co-treated animals showed increased BM thickness when compared to controls. |
