Development of a small-animal focal brain irradiation model to study radiation injury and radiation-injury modifiers

作者:Hideghety Katalin*; Plangar Imola; Man Imola; Fekete Gabor; Nagy Zoltan; Volford Gabor; Tokes Tuende; Szabo Emilia; Szabo Zoltan; Brinyiczki Kitti; Mozes Petra; Nemeth Istvan
来源:International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2013, 89(8): 645-655.
DOI:10.3109/09553002.2013.784424

摘要

Purpose : Our aim was to establish an effective small-animal focal brain radiation model for research on brain injuries. %26lt;br%26gt;Material and methods : Groups of up to six rats were exposed to a range of doses from 120-40 Gy, at 10 intervals of a 6 MeV electron beam. Open-field motor functions and water maze learning-memory tests were performed after the irradiation at two-week intervals. Morphological changes were detected through repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) monthly and were compared with the histopathological findings to determine if they predicted late microscopic changes. %26lt;br%26gt;Results : The development of necrosis proved to be dose-dependent. 120 Gy resulted in serious deterioration within 4 weeks in all rats. Localized necrosis in one hemisphere was detected 2 months after the irradiation with %26gt;= 70 Gy, and 3 months after 40-60 Gy consistent for all animals. The Morris water maze (MWM) tests proved to be the most sensitive tool for the early detection of a brain functional impairment. MRI screening provided useful information on the development of radiation necrosis, which defined the time point for histological examinations. %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusions : The described method permits accurate dose delivery to a definite part in one hemisphere of the brain for six rats at a time. Following complex examinations, a dose of 40 Gy and a follow-up time of 4 months are proposed for investigations on neuroradiation modifiers.

  • 出版日期2013-8