This study was designed to investigate the irradiation effects on the rat parotid gland, applied to the head and neck region. For this experiment, twenty-four rats, feeded under the even condition, were used as experimental animals. Twenty rats were used for experimental group and the rest were assigned to the control group. The experimental group was singly irradiated with 10Gray through Cobalt-60 radiotherapy device, Picker model 4M 60 (Field size; l2×5㎝, SSD; 50㎝, Depth; 1㎝). The experimental animals of both group were sacrificed each four animals in 2 days, 1week, 2weeks, 3weeks and 4weeks after irradiation. The specimens were examined through the light microscope using the H-E stain and H stain by routin procedure. The other specimens were observed under the fluorescence microscope using the B-O dichroic mirror and Y455 barrier filter after PA-ACH stain. 1. The results of this study were obtained as follows, The parotid acini were severely degenerated and the intraacinar spaces were widened. Within the acini, retained secretory granules and increased fibrosis were observed. Also the shape and the size of the acini showed very irregular atrophic degenerations. 2. The nuclei showed severe pyknosis, displacement and irregular aggregated appearance. 3. The tissue changes of the parotid acini were initiated after 2 days of irradiation and most severely appeared at the second week of irradiation, but almost returned to normal. 4. The salivary ducts of the parotid gland were severely atrophied, discontinued but initiated to regenerated after 3 weeks of irradiation.