An Experimental Study of Radiation-induced Anaemia with Reference to Shielding Procedures and Platelet Changes

Experimental data are presented concerning the effect of various shielding procedures on the response of the young growing rat to large volume irradiation. It is shown that the shielding of certain tissues containing active bone marrow will very much reduce the severity of the radiation-induced anaemia and of the second weight loss without apparently affecting the weight loss suffered by the animal immediately following irradiation. Shielding of a portion of skin does not appear to affect the response of the animal. Platelet investigations on the irradiated rat are described with some experimental data on the effect of shielding on the platelet fall. Experimental work on platelet changes following the administration of radioactive phosphorus is described and discussed in relation to the degree of anaemia produced.