Serial in vivo observations of cerebral vasculature after treatment with a large single fraction of radiation

J. C. Acker, L. B. Marks, D. P. Spencer, W. Yang, M. A. Avery, R. K. Dodge, G. L. Rosner, M. W. Dewhirst

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Scopus citations

Abstract

To test whether single high doses of radiation, similar to those used with radiosurgery, given to normal cerebral vasculature can cause changes in leukocyte-vessel wall interactions and tissue perfusion, a rat pial window model was used to view the cerebral vasculature, facilitating repeated in vivo observations of microcirculatory function. An attachment for a 4 MV linear accelerator was designed to deliver a well-collimated 2.2-mm beam of radiation to a selected region of rat brain. Sequential measurements of leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions, relative change in blood flow with laser Doppler flowmetry and vessel length density were performed prior to and at 24 h and 3 weeks after treatment with 15, 22.5 or 30 Gy, given in a single fraction. Significant increases in leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions were seen 24 h and 3 weeks after irradiation that were dependent on dose, particularly in arteries. Changes were apparent in both arteries and veins at 24 h, but by 3 weeks the effects in arteries predominated. Decreases in vessel length density and blood flow were observed and became greater with time after treatment. A variety of morphological changes were observed in irradiated arteries, including formation of aneurysmal structures, endothelial denudation and thrombus formation. These results suggest that: (1) An increase in leukocyte-vessel wall interactions occurs after irradiation; (2) cerebral arterioles are more sensitive than veins to radiation administered in this fashion; and (3) the increase in leukocytes- vessel wall interactions likely contributes to reduction of or loss of arteriolar flow, with resultant loss of flow to dependent microvascular vessels.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)350-359
Number of pages10
JournalRadiation research
Volume149
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Radiation
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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