Variations in the enzymatic behaviour of irradiated epidermis as function of age and lesion localization

Abstract

Earlier reports have described variations of the epitelial response to high doses of X-rays delivered to the tail epidermis of mew-born rats. There is a gradual tissue necrosis as a consequence of the changes produced by irradiation. Before ulceration starts, the epidermis shows variations, characterized by an acanthosis with considerable ultrastructural alterations and hyperkeratinization (de Rey and Cabrini, 1973, de Rey, Conti, Cabrini and Klein-Szanto 1976, Itoiz, Frasch, Volco and Klein-Szanto 1974, de Rey and Klein-Szanto 1972) as well as alterations in the content of SH and S-S groups (Frasch, Itoiz, Volco and Cabrini 1976) and of acid phosphatase (Itoiz et al. 1974), both indicating alterations in the production of horny substance.