Polydipsia and polyuria by the X-irradiated rat

¹ Biological and Medical Sciences Division, U. S. Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory, San Francisco, California

The results of partial-body x-irradiation experiments established the abdomen as the radiosensitive area involved in postirradiation polydipsia and polyuria. However, the responses do not appear to be due to the action of x-rays on any one organ in this region, since x-irradiation of individual exteriorized organs was only partially effective. On the other hand, shielding of the exteriorized kidneys or liver was effective in the prevention of postirradiation polyuria and polydipsia. Removal of the adrenal glands or spleen prior to x-irradiation did not prevent polydipsia or polyuria, whereas removal of the pancreas greatly diminished the extent of the polydipsia and polyuria and removal of the pituitary gland eliminated the responses. Anoxic anoxia during the time of x-irradiation did not prevent polyuria or polydipsia, but when isotonic sugar solutions were given as the drinking fluid polyuria and polydipsia did not occur.