Biochemical study on x-irradiated reproductive tissues of female guineapigs
Shah, V.C.; Bhatavdekar, J.M.; Chinoy, N.J.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 12(2): 153-155
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5189 PMID: 4435846 Document Number: 71840
It is known that small doses of X-irradiation can improve ovulation rate, but it is also known that cell death following irradiation is primarily the result of damage to genetic material. Therefore, the ovary and uterus of healthy females exposed to 120 rad were studied immediately after X-irradiation and at 24, 48 and 72 h after X-irradiation, and the levels of succinate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, DNA and RNA were measured. From the results it appears that low-level X-irradiation influences steroidogenesis in the ovary resulting in increased synthesis of oestrogen and an increased ovulation rate. The alteration in hormone metabolism may also inhibit DNA replication, and this impairment of genetic material, where permanent, leads to sterility.