ABSCOPAL EFFECTS OF LOCALIZED IRRADIATION BY ACCELERATOR BEAMS.

The existence of abscopal effects of radiation, those in organs at a distance from the irradiated volume in mammals, was investigated. Swiss Albino mice were irradiated over portions of the abdomen with 20 Mev deuterons. The mean thyraus and spleen weights in animals receiving abdominal irradiation were markedly depressed in comparison to controls and to animals receiving exposure to the back. The amount of suppression was much more pronounced in the thymus than in the spleen. It was found that by irradiating a larger volume or surface area, a more pronounced suppression can be brought about. (M.C.G.)