DNA content of radiosensitive organs of albino rats exposed to radiation at high altitude and following adaptation to hypoxia in a pressure chamber. [Gamma radiation]

Pre-exposure of rats to hypoxia attenuates the postradiation decrease in DNA content (..mu..g/mg dry tissue or protein) of the spleen, bone marrow and thymus in the destructive period of radiation sickness. In the postradiation recovery period, the levels of DNA in the animal organs examined, after exposure to hypoxia, were higher than in the organs of the corresponding nonirradiated control animals. However, this effect depends on the distinctions of the organ and exposure to hypoxia.