Inheritance of Radiation-Induced Decrement in Ability of Mice to Withstand Protracted Gamma Radiation Stress

Abstract

The heritability of genetic damage in the offspring of 10 generations of irradiated male mice was observed in terms of a decrement in ability to withstand continuous low-level Co60 gamma-irradiation. Mice from the irradiated germ line were approximately 24% less resistant to protracted gamma-ray stress than were controls. The data suggest the inheritance of genetic burden of recessive and/or sublethal mutants detrimental to survival under conditions of extreme or abnormal environmental stress.