Answer to Question #543 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Q

What specific part of the human cartilage is affected by gamma, beta, and alpha radiation?

A

The comments given to Q544 regarding alpha, beta, and gamma radiation and muscle apply also to cartilage. Mature cartilage, like adult muscle and bone, is resistant to radiation effects. Doses of 60-70 Gy from radiation therapy are generally well tolerated by cartilage, unless there is subsequent stress to the cartilage. In general, heavily irradiated tissues may show little or no effect unless they are challenged; they have reduced functional reserve capacity and thus cannot withstand injury that might be minor to healthy tissue. Disruption of growth occurs in growing cartilage in children. The most sensitive element appears to be chondroblasts, the cells that lay down new cartilage matrix. References: Rubin P., Casarett G.W. Clinical Radiation Pathology. Saunders, 1968. [Dated but highly detailed and still useful.] Mettler F.A., Upton A.C. Medical Effects of Ionizing Radiation, ed. 2. Saunders, 1995. [Up to date but brief.] S. Julian Gibbs, D.D.S., Ph.D.