Two groups of rats were irradiated with gamma radiation on their heads with single local dosage of 14.35 and 4.8 Gy, respectively. In these two groups, with different doses of radiation but the same time of survival (60 min), morphological changes of cerebellar grey matter were examined. Tissue samples were processed by the methods for electron microscopy.
After the irradiation of 14.35 Gy, marked changes in Purkinje cells were observed such as shape deformation and the invagination of the nuclear membrane. Many of these cells showed hyperchromatism and vacuolisation of cytoplasm. The frequent incidence of pycnotic nuclei was observed. Enlarged oedematous astrocytes were found in the proximity of heavily damaged Purkinje cells.
In the second group given the lower dose of 4.8 Gy, there was a majority of normal cells or cells with moderate changes: irregular shape of nucleus and invagination of karyolemma and increased perinuclear hyperchromatism. Only a few cells with severe damage were observed.
Key words: cerebellum; gamma radiation; Purkinje cells; astrocytes
This article is dedicated to the memory of the late Prof. P. P o p e s k o, DVM, DSc on the seventieth anniversary of his birth.
Folia Veterinaria / 1995