Response of newt larvae to X-irradiation

Abstract

Graded doses of from 200 to 2000 rad of x-rays were administered to premetamorphic Taricha torosa larvae of various ages. General stunting, specific malformation, pigmentary damage, and a very shortened life-span occurred at all doses. There is an age-dependent dose response; some animals exposed to 200 and 600 rad survived to complete metamorphosis. Evidence is presented supporting a view that postmetamorphic epidermal melanocytes may be derived largely by division of an unpigmented progenitor cell type.