Ionizing radiation and the conceptus: neurophysiologic effects of prenatal X-radiation on offspring
A brief review of the literature precedes the presentation of a radiation behavioral teratology study. The various types of radiation and the units of measure used in radiation biology are discussed. The concept of the radiation-induced teratogenic ''triad'' of growth retardation, malformation, and death is presented. A discussion of stage- and dose-dependent sensitivity to prenatal irradiation is followed by an introduction to behavioral teratology as a new interdisciplinary area of investigation, emphasizing postnatal psychophysiologic analyses of the effects of prenatal exposure. In the present study, rats were exposed to an acute dosage level of 0.6 Gy (60 RAD) X-radiation on day 9 or 17 of gestation. The neonates were given five neonatal reflex tests, observed for the appearance of four physiologic markers, and, as young adults, subjected to three of six behavioral tests. The irradiated offspring exhibited retarded postnatal growth and altered reflex and behavioral activity. These results indicate that irradiation at a dosage level which does not cause overt morphologic malformations at birth does result in altered postnatal growth and psychophysiologic development.
- Research Organization:
- Thomas Jefferson Univ., Philadelphia, PA
- OSTI ID:
- 6452130
- Journal Information:
- Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci.; (United States), Vol. 3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
BEHAVIOR
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
RATS
PRENATAL IRRADIATION
NEONATES
NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES
PREGNANCY
X RADIATION
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
DISEASES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
IRRADIATION
MAMMALS
PRENATAL EXPOSURE
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
RODENTS
VERTEBRATES
560152* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Animals
550100 - Behavioral Biology