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Evaluation of Radiation Response as an Index of Aging in Mice

Journal Article · · Radiation Research
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3571320· OSTI ID:4742267
Life table data were obtained on 3904 RF/J female mice. Approximately half the mice received 400 r of x rays at 90 days of age. Gross mortality rates in the irradiated population showed marked departures from the Gompertz equation. Median life span was shortened by 178 days. Correction of mortality rates for leukemia incidence enabled a reasonably good fit of the Gompertz equation to data from both populations. The corrected data indicated a life shortening of 24 days per 100 r of exposure. No latent period between time of exposure and a detectable increase in mortality rate relative to the control rate was found. The mortality rate in the irradiated population was higher at all time intervals after exposure. The LD/sub 50(30)/ was found to decline approximately linearly with age. No pronounced effect of previous exposure was observed. Survival under daily exposure to 100 r/day declined with age in a complex manner. Previously irradiated animals were generally more sensitive than controls. The recovery rate as estimated by split doses declined sharply with age. Recovery rates in previously irradiated mice were considerably lower than those in controls of comparable ages. None of the radiation responses measured showed a consistent relationship to mean life expectancy. It was concluded that radiation exposure does not cause a true, nonspecific, premature aging but selectively damages certain organ systems. (auth)
Research Organization:
Roscoe B. Jackson Memorial Lab., Bar Harbor, Maine
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-17-004418
OSTI ID:
4742267
Journal Information:
Radiation Research, Journal Name: Radiation Research Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 17; ISSN 0033-7587
Publisher:
Radiation Research Society
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English