Dose-dependent hematotoxic effects of diagnostic X-ray radiation in Sahel goats

ABSTRACT Aim/objective: The objective of this research is to determine the level of safety and convenience associated with recommending repeated irradiation for any diagnostic procedure or radiographic examination in subjects undergoing such treatments. In particular, it aims to discover how radiation affects white blood cells (WBCs) and how long it takes for them to fully recover in Sahel goats after being exposed to X-rays single and dual exposure. Methods: Fifteen Sahel goats, weighing between 10 and 13 kg and aged between 9 and 12 months, were arranged into three groups, A, B, and C, for ease of separation. Group B received two consecutive doses of X-rays spaced three minutes apart, while Group A received a single radiation dose. Group C was the reference group. With a focus to film distance of 90 cm, the technique chart utilized was 70 kV on 12.5 mAs, which results in a diagnostic range of 2-3 mGy per fraction from the X-ray machine MS-185, serial no. 0904 GE. Between thirty minutes to four days, blood samples were drawn from the experimental and control groups, and the samples were subjected to a differential leukocyte count. Results: There was no appreciable difference between the control, single, and dual exposures during the pre-exposure and 0 hour post-exposure periods. The lymphocyte count at 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours differed significantly (p<0.05) from the control, single, and dual exposures. The hematological parameters returned to their pre-exposure levels after 48 and 72 hours. The study\'s findings show that either single or repeated irradiation of Sahel goats significantly lowers their lymphocyte numbers. This study shows how X-ray irradiation affects lymphocytes, which drop to 20% of their starting levels 24 hours after the exposure. Conclusion: Sahel goats exposed to diagnostic X-rays experienced time-dependent hematological alterations, including neutrophilia and severe lymphopenia (↓20% at 24 hours). By 72 hours, the majority of parameters (97.2% single, 96.1% dual exposure) had recovered, with just slight residual harm (2.8–3.9%). This result highlights the necessity for more oxidative stress and bone marrow research, as well as the radiosensitivity and hematological resilience of lymphocytes. Key words: Exposure, Sahel goats, X ray, lymphocytes, irradiation.