The law of Bergonie and Tribondeau

IntroductionIn 1906 one of radiology's most important

discoveries was made-the law of Bergonie and Tribondeau.

By exposing rabbit testicles to ionizing radiation and observing its effects, the relationship between metabolic state and radiosensitivity was established.

Statement

• Stem cells are radiosensitive.

• Immature or young cells and tissues are more radiosensitive; resistance to radiation increases

with increased cell maturity.

Low metabolic rate decreases radiosensitivity and high metabolic rate increases

radiosensitivity.

High proliferation (reproductive) rate for cells and fast growth rate increases the radiosensitivity of those cells.