Effects of X-radiation on thymidine incorporation and deoxyribonucleoprotein integrity in rat tissues

Abstract

The early effect of X-radiation on thymidine incorporation into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) did not differ markedly in rat tissues which are resistant and those which are sensitive to the lethal effects of irradiation. Inhibition of DNA synthesis was accompanied by loss of integrity of deoxyribonucleoprotein (DNAP) in all tissues examined during the postradiation period. The cells of radioresistant tissues were able to repair the postradiation damage to DNAP, while the degradation of DNAP continued unchecked in radiosensitive tissues during a 24-h observation period.