Louis R.

Fortunato
November 23, 2008
Radiation Biology Assignment
Definitions: Chapter 8

EFFECTS OF RADIATION:

The Histopathologic Sequence Of Events After

Acute Effects Of Radiation Exposure Are Divided
Into The Following Phases As Follows:

Phase 1: Cessation of Mitotic Activity

Loss Of Cell Division
This Phase Is Defined By Development Of Acute Damage
To Cells & Tissues That Are Sensitive To The Administered Dose.
In Highly Radiosensitive Tissues There Is Inhibition Or Cessation Of
Mitosis & Destruction Of Parenchymal Cells. This Step Leads To
Hypoplasia of The Tissues.

Phase II: Parenchymal Hypoplasia:

Secondary Parenchymal Effects Involve Changes In The Interstitial Tissue.
Secondary To Radiation .
A. Parenchymal Hypoplasia Involves Loss Of The Parenchymal
Or Distinquishing Cells Of A Gland Or Organ Supported By
Connective Tissue Due To Destruction Of Some Of The Elements
Of The Parenchyma

Phase III: Recovery Phase: Cellular Regeneration

The Recovery Phase Involves Tissues & Organs In
Recovery From Radiation Effects Through Healing
By Primary Intention Or Secondary Intention.

Cellular Regeneration Involves Replacement Of Damaged

Cells By The Same Cell Type Present Before Radiation.
Phase IV: Stromal Effects:
Involve The Effects Of Radiation On The Supporting
Framework Of An Organ Or Structure. The Supporting
Framework Usually Consists Of Connective Tissue.
Stromal Effects Include:
A. Telangiectasias:
1. Are Dilatations Of Previously Existing Small
Blood Vessels Due To Endothelial Cell Injury.
B. Vascular Sclerosis:
1. Involves Hardening Of Arterial Surfaces.
C. Replacement Fibrosis:
1. Involves Recovery By Secondary Intention .It
Involves Formation Of Fibrous Tissue
Secondary To Radiation Effects.
2. An Example Includes: Pulmonary Fibrosis.

LATE EFFECTS OF RADIATION:

ARE CARCINOGENICE EFFECTS
& INCLUDE:

1. Ulceration: Due To Radiation

A. An Ulcer Is A Crater Like Lesion Involving The Skin
Or Mucous Membranes. It Is A Discontinuity Of The Skin Or
Mucous Membrane Showing Complete Loss Of Epidermis
& Often Part Of The Dermis.

2. Necrosis: Due To Radiation

A. Necrosis Is Death Of Individual Cells, Groups Of Cells
Or Tissues. It Occurs When There Is Insufficient
Blood Supply From Radiation .

3. Cellular Regeneration
A. Is A Process Where Damaged Cells Are Replaced By New Cells
Of The Same Cell Type.
RADIATION HISTOPATHOLOGY
DEFINITIONS:

1. Cytoplasmic Alteration
A. Cellular Swelling:
1. The Net Effect Of Cell Swelling Is A Gain Of Water By The Cell
Causing The Cell To Swell With Inactivation Of The Na+ /K+
ATPase Energy Dependent Pump Causing Sodium
To Accumulate In The Cell & Potassium To Diffuse Out Of The
Cell.
B. Vacuolization:
1. Is The Formation Of Vacuoles In Cells.
2. Vacuoles Are Membrane Bound Cavities Within A Cell Which
Often Containing A Watery Liquid Or Secretion.

2. Mitochondrial Distortion:
A. Involves Alteration In The Structure Of The Mitochondrion
In The Cell

3. Shedding of the Membrane:

A. Involves the Loss Of The Membrane Cell Covering .

4. Nuclear Changes:
A. Nuclear Swelling:
1. An Increase Size Or Volume Of The Nucleus As A Result Of
Internal Pressure.
B. Nuclear Vacuolization:
1. Involves The Formation Of A Vacuole Which Is A Membrane
Bound Cavity Often Containing A Watery Liquid Or Secretion
In The Cell Nucleus.

References:

1. George Casarett: Radiation Histopathology Volume 1

1980 Edition: