Effect of Low-Level Radiation on the Death of Male Germ Cells

Abstract Liu, G. W., Gong, P. S., Zhao, H. G., Wang, Z. C., Gong, S. L. and Cai, L. Effect of Low-Level Radiation on the Death of Male Germ Cells. Radiat. Res. 165, 379–389 (2006). Hormetic and adaptive responses induced by low-level radiation in hematopoietic and immune systems have been observed, as shown by stimulatory effects on cell growth and resistance to subsequent radiation-induced cytogenetic damage. However, in terms of cell death by apoptosis, the effects of low-level radiation are controversial: Some studies showed decreased apoptosis in response to low-level radiation while others showed increased apoptosis. This controversy may be related to the radiation doses or dose rates and also, more importantly, to the cell types. Testes are one of the most radiosensitive organs. The loss of male germ cells after exposure to ionizing radiation has been attributed to apoptosis. In the present study, the effects of low-level radiation at doses up to 200 mGy on mouse male germ cells in terms of apoptosi...