The Fasted Mouse in the Study of Bone-marrow Stem-cell Kinetics

Abstract
A method for the study of bone-marrow stem-cell kinetics, using fasting to depress erythropoiesis, with its reinstatement when feeding is restarted, is described. The effect of radiation on this system is compared with that revealed by other methods of exploring stem-cell behaviour. The dose-response relationship, with a Do of 60 rads, and the observation of a stem-cell overshoot at 12 days after 150 rads, were similar to those recorded when other procedures were used.