The Relative Potency of Fast Neutrons and 250-Kvp X-Rays in the Guinea Pig

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Abstract
The 30-day lethality response in Hartley strain guinea pigs was determined for fast neutrons and 250-kvp X-rays. The LD50(30) for neutrons was 155 rads, whereas for X-rays it was 273 rads. No marked gastrointestinal damage was seen after either neutron or X-ray exposure in the lethal range. The most frequent finding at autopsy was hemorrhage. Thus, gastrointestinal damage is presumed to be relatively unimportant as a factor contributing to death. The higher potency of fast neutrons compared to 250-kvp X-rays for lethality in the guinea pig cannot be accounted for by a greater damage to the gastrointestinal tract. It is suggested that this greater potency of neutrons for lethality in the guinea pig may be explicable on the basis of radiation damage to the hematopoietic system.

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