Impact of Diagnostic X-Ray Exposure on Blood Vessel Integrity in Albino Rats: An Electron Microscopy Analysis

The growing reliance on diagnostic X-ray imaging has raised concerns regarding its potential effects on cellular and tissue health. This research explores the impact of diagnostic X-ray exposure on the structural integrity of blood vessels, with a special focus on the aortic wall in rats. We analyzed the aorta's ultrastructural changes using electron microscopy by comparing patients exposed to X-rays to a control group. The findings revealed significant alterations in the aortic wall, including changes in the smooth muscle cells, elastic fibres, basal lamina, collagen deposition, and intracellular structures. These findings suggest that diagnostic X-ray exposure may disrupt the structural components of the aorta, potentially contributing to long-term vascular damage.