What does the Law of Bergonie and Tribondeau state about radiosensitivity?

The Law of Bergonie and Tribondeau posits that radiosensitivity is influenced by the maturity and metabolic activity of cells. According to this law, cells that are actively dividing, undifferentiated, and have a high metabolic rate are more susceptible to the damaging effects of radiation. This means that younger cells, or those in a state of rapid proliferation, will exhibit higher levels of radiosensitivity compared to fully differentiated or quiescent cells.

This principle is pivotal in radiobiology and explains why certain tissues, such as those involved in growth (like hematopoietic tissue or the lining of the gastrointestinal tract), display more vulnerability to radiation damage. As a result, when considering the implications of radiation exposure in medical treatments or safety protocols, recognizing the variations in radiosensitivity based on cellular characteristics becomes essential for effective risk assessment and management.