The Effects of Ionizing Radiation on Rat Thoracic-duct Lymphocytes in Vitro

Abstract

The effects of x-radiation on nucleic acid and protein metabolism of rat thoracic-duct lymphocytes in vitro have been investigated. Only 3–4 per cent of the total thoracic-duct lymphocytes in vitro are synthesizing DNA at any given time. 2000 rads x-rays caused a 20–25 per cent depression of the rate of DNA synthesis but did not effect RNA or protein metabolism. The metabolism of formate by the lymphocytes in vitro has been studied, and evidence is presented to show that formate can be utilized for purine, amino acid and DNA-synthesis. The inhibition of DNA-synthesis by the lymphocytes in vitro was shown to be identical whether the cells were irradiated in vitro or in vivo.