[Total abdominal irradiation. Choice of experimental dosage]

Radiation therapy induces morphological and functional changes in small intestine leading to nutrient malabsorption. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of total abdominal irradiation on body weight in rats. The study was performed in four groups of animals treated at increased levels of radiation: 400, 600, 800 and 1,000 cGy. The decrease in body weight observed was similar at the caloric and nitrogen intake and were more pronounced as the dose of radiation increased.