Ethanol as a Possible Modifier of Acute Radiation Lesions of the Brain

Abstract

Cerebral effects were studied in experiments on rats exposed to acute γ-radiation of the head at cerebral doses, with previous or subsequent administration of different ethanol doses. Both factors cause similar changes in neurological symptoms and neuromorphological effects. Ethanol before irradiation did not significantly modify the state of neurons, but caused the appearance of synapses degenerating via filament type. After irradiation, ethanol at the threshold dose did not change and at a large tranquilizing dose slightly increased radiation changes in neurons and synapses. The effects of radio-modification depended on the dose of ethanol and the time of its administration.