Modification of Radiosensitivity of Genetically Anemic Mice by Implantation of Blood-Forming Tissue

The dependence of acute radiation sensitivity on the genotypes of the functioning blood-forming tissue was demonstrated by testing the radiation reaction of WW/sup v/ anemic mice successfully implanted with isologous normal ww blood-forming tissue. The LD/sub 50(30)/ values of such mice was raised from approximately 250 r to about 680 r, a figure approaching the level of normal ww individuals. Modification of radiation sensitivity of carriers of mutant alleles of the W-series in a single dose (W/sup v/w and Ww) has also been achieved by implantation. ln each case the LD/sub 50/ value has been increased to a level characteristic of normal mice of this strain. These investigations lead to the conclusion that in the case of the W-series anemias the acute radiosensitivity of the entire organism is, in large measure, dependent on the genetic constitution of the cells residing in the marrow. (auth)