The Indirect Effect of Radiation on Embryonic Mortality

Summary

Survival of rat embryos in the right uterine horn irradiated (200 to 400 R) on days 1½ or 4½ of pregnancy is significantly increased by concomitant shielding of the left lower-body quadrant. The data are interpreted as evidence that radiation-induced maternal dysfunction is a significant contributing factor to embryonic mortality observed in rats irradiated during the pre-implantation stage of pregnancy. Possible mechanisms of action are discussed.