The Effect of Radiation on the Longevity of the Cockroach, Periplaneta americana, as Affected by Dose, Age, Sex and Food Intake

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Abstract
As measured by the change in ratio between the T50''s of irradiated and unirradiated insects of different ages, the sensitivity of the adult cockroach to radiation increases with age. Irradiated females survive longer than males. Survival is affected by the state of nutrition. Death due primarily to irradiation with 10,000 rads occurs independently of starvation effects. Post- as well as pre-irradiation starvation reduces resistance to radiation injury. Free-feeding after irradiation increases longevity of the male but does not affect female survival. Irradiated and starved insects of both sexes die sooner than starved controls. They lose a smaller fraction of their weight than the controls but at a greater rate. The effect of a divided dose at any given time is less than that of the single total dose. The results are discussed with special reference to the nutritional state of the insects and to the change of radiosensitivity with age.