Effects of Radiation at Different Dose Rates on Hematologic Parameters in Rats

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of single and fractionated dose treatment techniques using X-rays at dose rates of 600 and 2400 MU/min on peripheral blood levels in healthy rats. 12-week-old female Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups. Group I was designated as the control group. Groups II and IV received a single dose of 16 Gy and 32 Gy in 5 fractions at a dose rate of 400 MU/min, respectively. Groups III and V received a single dose of 16 Gy and 32 Gy in 5 fractions at a dose rate of 2400 MU/min, respectively. Rats in all radiation groups were exposed to total body radiotherapy. Acute effects of radiation were examined for red blood cells (RBCs), platelets (PLTs), hemoglobin content (Hb), white blood cells (WBCs), lymphocytes (LYM) and granulocytes (GRAN) parameters. A significant difference was observed between the control group and radiation groups for hematologic parameters (p < 0.05). In terms of hematologic parameters, both radiation dose rate and the fraction schedule were found to be effective on these parameters.