High Roentgen Exposures (2000-8000 R) and Antilocalization of Skin-Injected Protein

The present study indicates that rabbit tissue exposed up to 8000 R has an antilocalizing characteristic for injected protein. It was reported by means of the antitoxin-localizing method [Radiat. Res. 30, 634-639, (1967)] that rabbit skin, focally irradiated in a range of 150-1000 R, loses much of its capacity to localize injected protein. The question arose whether this antilocalizing effect of irradiation would also occur if exposures higher than 1000 R were employed. High Roentgen exposures would increase injury and inflammation and thus possibly increase rather than decrease localization of injected substances. It was found that skin exposures to 2000, 3000, or 4000 R showed marked antilocalization of injected antitoxin, resulting in its increased escape and in the neutralization of toxin. Skin exposures to 5000 or 8000 R showed milder antilocalization of the antitoxin. This milder response might be due to the increased injury and inflammation resulting from the higher exposures, leading to increased localization.