Effects of Radiation on Bone Formation: A Functional Assessment

MORSE, B. S., GIULIANI, D., AND GIULIANI, E. R. Effects of Radiation on Bone Formation: A Functional Assessment. Radiat. Res. 60, 307-313 (1974). A reduction of estrone-induced endosteal bone formation was noted in the tibia of mice locally X-irradiated with doses in excess of 900 R. When estrone injections were started 4 days postirradiation, increased bone formation was noted between 300 and 900 R. As the dose of radiation was increased above 900 R, there was a progressive impairment of the response to estrone injections. Bone formation, though substantially reduced, was still demonstrable after 2220 R. Little recovery was noted over a 7-mo period following this dose. A functional separation of hemopoietic and osteogenic precursor cells was achieved; the former displayed greater radiosensitivity than the latter.