Effects of Continuous Radiation on Chick Embryos and Developing Chicks

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Abstract
This paper is the second part of a study concerning the effect of lethal and sublethal doses of radiation given in continuous exposure and using radioactive phosphorus as a radiation source. P32 was administered as KH2PO4 in isotonic soln., the doses ranging from 115 to 3696 [mu]c. Internal irradiation by P32 in smaller doses inhibited maturation of the immature hematopoetic cells and reduced mitotic activity These changes were reversible and after the radiation had diminished, the bone marrow returned to normal. The larger doses of radiation which eventually caused a fatal anemia, produced an immediate and virtually complete cessation of mitotic activity and maturation. The lymphoid tissue of the thymus was very sensitive to radiation and showed an almost immediate marked reduction of mitotic activity, which lasted until most of the retained P32 had been concentrated in the bones. Recovery was rapid, and all but the most severe of these injuries were reversible. Peripheral blood counts followed a definite pattern during and following irradiation. The lymphocyte count fell first and recovered before the other cell types. The granulocyte count fell next most rapidly and recovered most slowly. The red cell count dropped most slowly and returned to normal midway between lymphocyte and granulocyte counts.

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