Toxicological Studies of Tritiated Thymidine

Abstract

Factors influencing the expression of radiotoxicity of tritiated thymidine in the mouse were studied, and parameters for toxicity measurement were evaluated. Uptake and retention of activity were only partially related to total dose. Dividing of dose into parts increased uptake and retention; increasing the specific activity of TdH3 or increasing the age of the animal decreased uptake and retention. Cytological damage to testis was the most consistent parameter for measuring radiotoxicity of TdH3. It is suggested that toxicity of tritiated thymidine is best related to uptake and retention rather than to administered intraperitoneal dose.