The effects of fast neutron irradiation on the systemic blood pressure and its response to epinephrine and acetylcholine were investigated. Two groups of 10 rats were observed at 4, 24, and 48 hours after exposure to 700 rad fast neutrons. One group received injections of 10 μg epinephrine and the other group injections of 20 μg acetylcholine. Blood pressure was monitored by direct cannulation of the carotid artery. Systemic blood pressure fell with time after irradiation. Fast neutron irradiation decreased the time to reach the observable maximum pressure response and accelerated the decay of this maximum response. No measurable alterations in the response to acetylcholine were observed in the irradiated groups.
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Copyright 1972 Academic Press, Inc.
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