Abstract
Summary
The C57B1/6 and Swiss mice were exposed to 300–400 R of X-irradiation. The peripheral leukocyte count, thymus weight, and the specific activity of thymus DNA polymerase all decreased whereas the specific activity of thymus RNA polymerase increased above the levels of the age controls. A single injection of sheep serum, but not saline or sheep albumin, given within an hour after radiation hastened the return toward normal values. The differences in enzyme activities of the C57B1/6 are apparent at about day 4, in thymus weight about day 7, and in leukocyte count at the end of the second week. The relation of these changes to the prevention of X-ray induced leukemia is not yet apparent.
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