Bacterial and biochemical studies on gamma-irradiated swine
Eisele, G.R.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 35(10): 1305-1308
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 4608071 Document Number: 76869
Bacteriolgical studies were conducted on six healthy 8-month-old pigs multilaterally exposed to 966 R of gamma-radiation at the dose rate of 10.5 plus or minus 0.6 R/hour. Bacteraemia was detected in all animals except one. At PM examination the irradiated pigs yielded a greater number and variety of bacteria from muscles and organs than did the controls. All irradiated pigs had fewer circulatory leukocytes, blood platelets, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. Lactic dehydrogenase activities increased during the first 23 hours of irradiation and decreased significantly by the 6th and 8th days and glucose values increased by the 8th day. Rectal temperatures increased steadily after the 10th day in the irradiated pigs.