An experimental study on the acute irradiation effects on the substantia nigra of headirradiated rats were carried out.
Rats anesthetized with sodium thiopental, were exposed only on their head areas with a single dose of 3,000 rads or 6,000 rads, respectively. Radiation was produced by Mitsubishi linear accelerator at the speed of 200 rads/min. Aminals were sacrificed on 6 hours, 2 days and 6 days following irradiations. By the perfusion fixation through the heart, rats were fixed with 1% glutaraldehyde-1% paraformaldehyde solution. Two hours later, brains were exposed and immersed in the same fixatives over night. Tissue blocks from subtantia nigra were punched out, and they were refixed in the 2% osmium tetroxide solution. Blocks were dehydrated through alcohol series, and embedded in the araldite mixture. Ultrathin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate solutions. From the ultrastructural study, following results were made:
1. Six hours after irradiation, severe depletion of synaptic vesicles was occurred in the many axon terminals of the nigral neuropil.
2. Dramatical decrease of lysosomes and dense granules was observed.
3. Two days following irradiation, alterations of ribosomes, granular endoplasmic reticula, mitochondria, etc, were noticed.
4. Many of the malformations were seen to be repaired on the 6th day.
5. Above results were interpreted as follows. At the acute stage of heavy irradiation, neurotransmitters in the substantia nigra are released severely. But they are recovered within 6 days.
It is concluded that acute head-irradiation may result severe disturbance of nigral motor control function during the first few days.
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