Effect of Phosphorus-32 on the Survival of Spermatogonia and Oocytes in Mice

Abstract

EXTENSIVE work by Oakberg1–4, confirmed by Monesi5,6, has shown that very low doses of X and gamma-rays or fast neutrons greatly reduce the population of late type A, intermediate and type B Spermatogonia. This reduction was detectable with doses as low as 3 rads of 60Co gamma-rays, 2 rads of 2.5 MeV neutrons and 1.5 rads of 14.1 MeV neutrons. Oakberg and Clark7 have demonstrated a cellular system in oocytes which prevents or repairs a part of the radiation damage. The survival curves of both types of cells indicated multiple hits with a shoulder in the dose range 3 to 10 r.