The Effect of Streptomycin Therapy on Mice Irradiated with Fast Neutrons

Impact of total-body irradiation on the response to a live bacterial challenge

“…Indeed, after the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II, infection was a signifi cant factor in mortality (Brues et al 1947, DiCarlo et al 2008. Similarly, radiation-induced mortality has long been associated with enteric bacterial infection in experimental models (Chrom 1935, Vogel et al 1954 and survival was found to be enhanced through the use of antibiotics , Marston et al 1953, Hammond et al 1955.…”

Chlorisondamine, a sympathetic ganglionic blocker, moderates the effects of whole-body irradiation (WBI) on early host defense to a live bacterial challenge

“…Similar risks would be associated with victims of nuclear disaster (e.g., the recent meltdown in Fukushima, Japan [2]) or acts of nuclear terrorism [3]. In experimental models, radiation-induced mortality has long been associated with enteric bacterial infection [4][5][6] and survival was found to be enhanced through the use of antibiotics [7][8][9].…”

Influence of Irradiation on Resistance to Infection

“…The best resultbs on mortality rate have been obtained in mice. Miller and associates (9,13) observed that streptomycin in the optimal dose of 5 mg per day was the most effective agent, although oral antibiotics also gave good results. Mortality after 450 r was reduced by streptomycin therapy from 84 per cent in controls to 30 per cent in the treated mice (9).…”