Cellular damage and recovery of the early developing mouse eye following low dose irradiation. I. X-rays on day 8 of gestation

Summary The eye region of mouse embryos, irradiated with 90 rad X-rays on day 8 of gestation, was examined 24 h later for cellular damage. Besides the overall developmental retardation, the radiation insult decreased the proliferation rate and altered the mitotic phase ratio. Due to the limited extension of necrotic zones, a reduced number of dead cells was found in the irradiated optic vesicles.Supported by the Swiss National Foundation for Scientific Research. The technical assistance of Mrs E. Frei is gratefully acknowledged.