Effect of radiation on myocardial metabolism and structure.

The effects of gamma radiation on structure, function, and metabolism of rat heart were studied. The precordial region of male albino rats (weighing 150-200 g) was exposed to 4000, 6000, and 8000 rads of gamma rays, using a cesium-137. Seventy-two hours after exposure, ECG lead II was taken, and animals were killed. Blood, heart, and adrenals were collected for the study of serum lactic dehydrogenase (SLD), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum lactate, cardiac glycogen, and adrenal ascorbic acid. Histopathology of the heart was done using eosine and hematoxyline stains. The structural, functional, and biochemical changes observed were directly proportional to the intensity of gamma radiation.