Changes in vascular permeability following thorax irradiation in the rat.

A double isotope technique was used to measure changes in the vascular permeability surface area product (PS) for albumin after irradiation. PS was measured in several tissues of the rat during the first 38 days following 11, 13.5, 18, or 25 Gy whole thorax irradiation. After 18 and 25 Gy most irradiated and nonirradiated (shielded) tissues showed elevated permeability at 1 day after radiation, which declined to control levels by Day 4. All irradiated tissues showed a second wave of increased permeability between 14 and 38 days after radiation that varied in onset and extent depending upon tissue and dose. Lung and heart showed a direct response to dose between 11 and 18 Gy during this period. Peak lung values averaged three times control values at 19 days after 18 Gy. Peak heart values averaged twice control values at the same time and dose. The double isotope technique has proven to be a reliable means of quantitatively determining vascular permeability response to radiation over time.