The Effect of Estradiol and Irradiation on the Nucleic Acid Metabolism of the Thymus, Spleen, Lymph Node, and Liver of Mice

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Abstract
The nucleic acid metabolism of the thymus, spleen, mesenteric lymph node, and liver was studied in adult female mice for 10 days after a single injection of estradiol or 150 R of total-body X-irradiation. The effect of estradiol was varied. It did not alter nucleic acid content (mg of nucleic acid/mg of wet tissue weight) or synthesis (incorporation of radioactive nucleosides) in the mesenteric lymph node. It enhanced DNA synthesis in both the spleen and liver and RNA synthesis in the spleen within 24 hr. of administration. Estradiol, like X-irradiation, caused thymic involution which was characterized by diminished nucleic acid content and DNA synthesis. X-irradiation also depressed nucleic acid content and DNA synthesis in the spleen and mesenteric lymph node, but only DNA synthesis was impaired in the liver. Enhanced RNA synthesis preceded the recovery of DNA synthesis and repair of the estradiol-injured thymus. This same sequence was clearly demonstrated in the thymus and spleen after irradiation, but the thymic response was distinguished by a 2nd peak of RNA synthesis which appeared earlier than the second common peak. These findings may have particular bearing on the function of the mammalian thymus in the development and repair of lymphatic tissues and the immune system.

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