Influence of Hibernation on Survival Time and Weight Loss of X-Irradiated Ground Squirrels. ∗

Abstract

Summary

The LD₅₀ of x-ray for non-hibernating ground squirrels (Citellus tride-cemlineatus) is approximately 700 r. Non-hibernating animals given 800 r of x-ray exhibited over 80% mortality within 10 days. Ground squirrels irradiated while in hibernation and maintained in the hibernating state following irradiation exhibited no mortality within 30 days following exposure to x-ray, but when these animals were returned to the homeothermic state either at 2 weeks or at 4 weeks after irradiation, death ensued within 10 days. Animals which were maintained in hibernation following lethal doses of x-ray eventually succumbed, although survival was greatly prolonged. Thus, while hibernation markedly increased the survival time in this species following lethal doses of x-ray, it did not alter the ultimate mortality.