Tissue Weights of the Rat. II. Changes Following 700 r Total Body X-Irradiation

Summary

The weight changes observed in 15 tissues at 9 different periods following total body irradiation with an LD₅₀ dose (700 r) of x-ray have been described and statistically evaluated. The loss of muscle mass explains the major portion of the body weight loss which is seen in the rat during the first 4-6 days following irradiation. Though the percentage weight loss was greater in spleen, thymus and marrow, these tissues are too small to have an appreciable effect upon total body weight change.