PMID: 8600508Apr 1, 1996Paper

Effects of continuous low-dose-rate brachytherapy on the rectum of the rat

Radiation Research
E P ArmourA Martinez

Abstract

The dose-limiting factor in essentially all curative radiotherapy is damage to normal tissue. In spite of this, our understanding of radiation-induced damage to normal tissue leaves much to be desired. Damage to the rectum is often observed after clinical brachytherapy of pelvic malignancies. A model in which the rectum of the rat is irradiated with a uniform and reproducible dose of brachytherapy irradiation was developed. This system consists of an intracavitary applicator, which is used in conjunction with methods that reduce fecal flow, a jacket that restrains rat movement and a lead-shielded chamber to contain rats during low-dose-rate brachytherapy. Irradiation was applied in 48-h intervals separated by 48-h breaks during which the applicator was removed. Methods to analyze the sequelae of brachytherapy irradiation of the rectum were also developed. The total dose of 0.75 Gy/h continuous low-dose-rate brachytherapy required to produce obstruction in the rat rectum has been measured. The ED50 was 70.6 +/- 4.2 Gy. The length of time between irradiation and obstruction was also correlated with total dose. Other effects on the rectum that were related to dose were diarrhea and rectovaginal fistula. This irradiation system can...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.