Response of the seminiferous epithelium of the mouse exposed to low dose high energy (HZE) and electromagnetic radiation.
This study was undertaken to observe the response of a rapidly dividing cell population (spermatogonial) to Helium and Argon ions as compared to x-rays. Low doses (below 100 rads) were used to more nearly simulate radiation encountered during space missions. The methods used proved compatible for both light and electron microscope studies. The average relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for Helium ions is 1, while Argon is twice as effective in killing spermatogonial cells. Part of this mixed population of cells exhibits a higher sensitivity to radiation below 15 rads. Quantitation of the radiation effects by counting the necrotic cells is not feasible because of their rapid removal, therefore all measurements were done using the surviving fraction (S/So) of spermatogonial cells.
D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000528:radiation effects; D003359:Cosmic Radiation; D055590:Electromagnetic Phenomena; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D012670:Seminiferous Epithelium / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013093:Spermatogonia / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013737:Testis / Q000528:radiation effects*