Radiation pneumonitis: the model of interstitial edema.

We used the measurement of the thickness of alveolar septa in the lungs in (C57BI/6xDBA/2)F1 mice irradiated locally in the area of the thorax with absorbed doses of 14, 16 and 18 Gy of gamma rays. The thickness of alveolar septa of the pulmonary tissue was measured using a computer image analysis. 24 weeks after irradiation we found a significant increase in the thickness of alveolar septa in direct relation to the dose within a range of 14 to 18 Gy. This indicator can be used for observation of the radioprotective and remedial interventions against the inception and the development of radiation pneumonitis.