Blood PO2 and pH in Monkeys after Incapacitating Doses of Ionizing Radiation

摘要

Aortic blood PO2 and pH and internal jugular blood PO2 were measured continuously in monkeys (Macaca mulatta) that received a 3000-rad midline tissue dose pulse of mixed gamma-neutron radiation. Immediately after irradiation the aortic blood PO2 and pH increased slightly (5 to 10 torr and 0.05 pH unit, respectively); these changes were consistent with earlier reports that monkeys hyperventilated after similar irradiation. Venous blood PO2 did not change after irradiation. It was concluded that lack of oxygen in the blood does not contribute to radiation-induced early transient incapacitation (ETI). If brain hypoxia does cause ETI, it must result from inadequate blood supply to all or part of the brain. (Author)