The Effect of X-Irradiation on Peripheral Blood Leukocytes in Normal and Adrenalectomized Rats

The effect of x irradiation on the peripheral leukocyte count was investigated in normal and adrenalectomized rats. The lower half of the animal was exposed, while the upper half, including the adrenal area, was protected. The exposure ranged from 50 to 800 r. The decline in leukocytes after x-ray exposure was more pronounced in normal than in adrenalectomized rats and continued in normal rats for 48 hours longer than in adrenalectomized rats. The regeneration of leckocytes after irradiation was faster in the adrenalectomized group, and a higher cell count was reached there than in normal group. (auth)