INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON THE RESPONSE OF FROGS TO X IRRADIATION

Abstract

Toxicity is not influenced by altering the body temp. of frogs (Rana pipiens) during or throughout the first 24 hrs. after total-body X-irradiation with 1000 r and 3000 r. Survival is enhanced., however, as long as the animals are kept in the cold (5[degree]-6[degree]C) continuously after the exposure. This altered sensitivity is due apparently to a decrease in the rate of development of radiation damage (prolongation of the latent period) rather than to any appreciable recovery. When the animals are removed from the cold after periods of 60-130 days, there is no change in absolute survival nor any clear difference in the time course of deaths from that observed in irradiated animals maintained at 23[degree]C. Hence the metabolic level during exposure does not influence the over-all radiation reaction in frogs, and the primary process of radiation damage is not repaired in the metabolically depressed animal.