The Effect of X-radiation on the Visual Cells in Organ Cultures of Mature Guinea-pig Retina

Summary

The effect of x-radiation on the survival of visual cells in organ cultures of guinea-pig retina was measured.

1. Over the measurable range of response the relationship between survival and dose was linear.

2. With oxygen as gas phase, the dose resulting in 50 per cent survival (D₅₀) was 2400 rads.

3. With air as gas phase, the D₅₀ was between 2550 and 2630 rads.

4. With nitrogen as gas phase, the D₅₀ was 3370 rads.

The small difference in response to radiation when oxygen was present cannot be accounted for by an oxygen gradient in the tissue.