Effect of x irradiation on the active transport of glucose through the intestine of the rat in vivo

Abstract

A study has been made, using the Sois and Ponz successive absorption technique, of the effect of X irradiation of animals (600 r) on the capacity of active transport of glucose (2.77 mM) by the intestine of the rat in sita, through time (2 to 96 hours), as also of the radio­ protective effect of cysteamine.

The irradiation of the whole body quite clearly alters the absorption. An initial decrease can be noticed (2 to 8 hours), followed by an increase (24 hours) and later a second phase of inhibition up to 96 hours.

These disturbances must be attributed to an effect on organs of the abdominal cavity, since they are produced both by irradiation of the whole body and by that of the abodminal region alone, whereas, on the other hand, they cease to appear when the animáis are irradia­ ted with the abdomen protected.

Cysteamine (10 mg/100 g, intraperitoneal injection ten minutes before the exposure) exercises a perfect radiopro­tective action.