NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Late ophthalmological complications after total body irradiation in non-human primatesPURPOSE: To investigate the long-term effects of total body irradiation (TBI) on the incidence and time course of ocular complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rhesus monkeys treated with TBI photon doses up to 8.5 Gy and proton doses up to 7.5 Gy were studied at intervals up to 25 years post-irradiation. They were compared with control groups with a similar age distribution. Cataract formation and ocular fundus lesions were scored according to a standardized protocol. Fluorescein angiography and histopathology was performed in selected animals. RESULTS: Cataract formation occurred after a latent period of 3-5 years. Significant cataract induction was observed for photon-doses of 8 and 8.5 Gy and beyond 20 years after proton irradiation. The severity of the lesions represents significant impairment of vision and would require cataract surgery if similar results occurred in human bone marrow transplant patients. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated a normal pattern of retinal vessels in 13 out of 14 animals (93%) from the irradiated group and in eight out of nine animals (89%) from the control group. No additional lesions apart from age-related degenerative changes could be demonstrated. Histological evaluation revealed no radiation-associated vasculopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation alone for doses up to 8.5 Gy of photons does not carry a potential risk for fundus pathology, whereas clinically important cataract induction should be anticipated within 5 years after photon doses of 8.0 and 8.5 Gy and proton doses in excess of 2.5 Gy.
Document ID
20040112615
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Niemer-Tucker, M. M.
(Leiden University Medical Center The Netherlands)
Sterk, C. C.
de Wolff-Rouendaal, D.
Lee, A. C.
Lett, J. T.
Cox, A.
Emmanouilidis-van der Spek, K.
Davelaar, J.
Lambooy, A. C.
Mooy, C. M.
Broerse, J. J.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1999
Publication Information
Publication: International journal of radiation biology
Volume: 75
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0955-3002
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Radiation Health
Non-NASA Center

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available