X-radiation effect on the vascularization of submaxillary gland

Abstract

The effect on the vascularization of the submaxillary gland of the adult Wistar rat of 20, 40, 80, 160 Gy of X-rays applied locally has been quantitatively assessed in the present study. The radioinduced damage to the vasculature was analyzed by perfusión with a silicone elastomere, Microfil, and stereological analysis of vascular volume and length. Vascular length did not vary significantly 7 days post-irradiation whereas vascular volume increased by about 100% . This vasodilatation could be caused by altered vasomotoric response induced,in turn, by the liberationfrom damaged cells of inflammatory mediators.The ATPase technique, which labels all blood vessel walls, revealed an unaltered vascular pattem 7 days after irradiation which would indicate that damage at this time is functional and not morphological.