Effect of irradiation on lymph flow and filtration function of lymph nodes

Abstract

The effect of irradiation on lymph flow and filtration function of lymph nodes was investigated in rats using radioactive colloidal gold 198Au. The popliteal node region of Wistar male rats was irradiated with a single dose of 500 to 3000 rads, and quantitative measurements of lymph flow and lymph node filtration function were made 2 weeks following irradiation. Lymph flow, as measured by disappearance of colloidal gold from the injection site, decreased only in rats treated with 3000 rads. A marked decrease in the concentration of isotope in irradiated nodes and increased bypass to the lumbar nodes and thoracic duct lymph was found at all dose levels; these findings suggest that radiation therapy decreases filtration capacity of lymph nodes for colloidal gold.

Lymph node clearance of plutonium from subcutaneous wounds in beagles

“…The pronounced scarring of the popliteal lymph nodes: may, however, alter the filtering and immunologic func tions of these·lymph nodes. Decreased filtering capacity of popliteal lymph nodes of rats was noted after localized X-irradiation (Sinha, et al 1970). Brightwell, aL (1973) tentatively attributed the observed inhibition of urethane-induced pulmo'nary adenomas by inhalation of plutonium to alpha irradiation interferring with the immuno-depressive effect of urethane.…”