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Ionizing Radiation: Biologic Effects and Essential Cell Biology

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The Pathophysiologic Basis of Nuclear Medicine

Abstract

This chapter deals with the effects of ionizing radiation with a foundation of relevant cell biology. Nuclear medicine was discovered and built on the principle and effects of ionizing radiation (IR) following its interaction with matter. IR is the process of ion pair formation resulting from the ejection of electrons from atoms and molecules. Atom ionization usually occurs after exposure to high temperatures, electrical discharges, or exposure to nuclear radiation. Nuclear IR is a consequence of nuclear decay to regain stability and is subdivided into uncharged and charged IR. Neutrons and γ-rays are, respectively, chargeless particles and electromagnetic radiation. Charged IR comprises charged particles like α-particles (helium nuclei, He2+ ion ejected from a nucleus), β-particles (fast electrons ejected from a nucleus), and β + particles (positrons). Both IR categories can induce severe damages in irradiated cells, tissues and organs, causing detrimental functional changes and eventually leading to cancer. It is thus essential to consider the assorted radiobiology in all diagnostic applications of radiation. Moreover, as ionizing radiation can also lead directly to cell death, it is also essential to consider all the radiobiological aspects of cell killing in all types of radiation therapy. At last psychological and cognitive effects are recognized and must be considered.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait

    Maryam Al-Qabandi & Jehan Alshammary

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  1. Maryam Al-Qabandi
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  2. Jehan Alshammary
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Correspondence to Maryam Al-Qabandi .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nuclear Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait

    Abdelhamid H. Elgazzar

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Al-Qabandi, M., Alshammary, J. (2022). Ionizing Radiation: Biologic Effects and Essential Cell Biology. In: Elgazzar, A.H. (eds) The Pathophysiologic Basis of Nuclear Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-96252-4_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-96252-4_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-96251-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-96252-4

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