Radiosensitivity of Haemopoiesis in Fish

Summary

Radiosensitivity of extramedullary haemopoiesis of tench (Tinca vulgaris, Fleming) was studied at 10° and at 18°c. The LD 50/30 was found to be 1200 rads at 18° and 55 000 rads at 10°c. About 1100 rads reduce red-cell values and ⁵⁹Fe incorporation into erythrocytes to 50 per cent at 18°. At 10° these values are not influenced by doses up to 55 000 rads. At 18° leucocytes are depressed by about 100 rads to 50 per cent. At 10° about 16 000 rads are needed for the same effect.

Radiation death in tench is thought to be caused partly by the effect on the white-blood cells.