Inhibition of P32 Incorporation into Rabbit DNA in vivo by Deuterium Oxide.

Administration of 50% deuterium oxide to rabbits as drinking water has been found to result in potent inhibition of DNA synthesis in the bone marrow and thymus, and to a lesser extent, in the liver. A decreased number of circulating erythrocytes was observed under these conditions, but no significant change in erythrocyte or bone marrow morphology was noted. DNA preparations from deuterated animals appear to be slightly denatured in comparison to DNA preparations from control animals.