Histologic morphometry confirms a prophylactic effect for hyperbaric oxygen in the prevention of delayed radiation enteropathy.

In a previous publication (Feldmeier et al., Radiother Oncol 1995; 35:138-144) we reported our success in preventing delayed radiation enteropathy in a murine model by the application of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2). In this study we introduce a histologic morphometric technique for assessing fibrosis in the submucosa of these same animal specimens and relate this assay to the previous results. The histologic morphometry, like the previous gross morphometry and compliance assays, demonstrates a significant protective effect for HBO2. The present assay is related to the previous assays in a statistically significant fashion. The predictive value for the histologic morphometric assay demonstrates a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 62.5%. The applicability of this assay to other organ systems and its potential superiority to the compliance assay are discussed.