The Cellular Basis of Differential Radiosensitivity of Normal and Genetically Anemic Mice

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Abstract
Hematological reactions of radioresistant normal ww mice and radiosensitive anemic WWV mice were followed during 30-days after 200 r whole-body irradiation. Normals showed minor changes in peripheral erythrocyte level, with reticulocytes present. Anemics suffered extreme reduction in hematocrit level, with absence of reticulocytes, persisting 16+ days. Normals and anemics suffered similar marrow destruction (maximal at 2 days). Marrow regeneration occurred rapidly in normals, with increase by 4, completion at 8 days. Marrow regeneration was delayed in WWV mice, beginning after 8 days, and not completed by 23 days. Anemics and normals showed the same post-irradiation changes in lymphocyte numbers, same reduction in neutrophiles, slight delay in neutrophile replenishment. The genetic difference in radiosensitivity between normal ww and anemic WWV mice is caused largely by differential rates of regeneration or erythropoietic tissue.