Modification of Late Radiation Injury with L-Triiodothyronine

In 1895, Roentgen reported a new form of radiation. In 1896 Becquerel discovered radioactivity. In 1896 also the first cases of radiation dermatitis and epilation were observed (1). By 1902 radiation-induced cancer was reported (2). By 1910 the histopathology of late radiation changes had been documented (3). Each organ or tissue has been shown to have a characteristic pattern of structural and functional alterations which are produced as a late effect of exposure to ionizing radiation (4). These changes appear to be related to early injury to the vascular structures and to connective-tissue elements. This in itself may produce secondary changes in the parenchymal cell of the organ in question. In addition, the parenchymal cell may be injured directly by the ionizing radiation. The interplay of these two mechanisms, and doubtless others as yet unappreciated, results in altered structure and altered ability to perform a normal role in the economy of the body. These changes do not appear to reach a static s...