Effects of irradiation on the generative cycle of the estrogen stimulated vaginal epithelium.

The effects of irradiation (300, 500 and 1500 rads) on mitosis and DNA synthesis in the estrogen primed vaginal epithelium have been studied. Dose—effect relations and the time sequence of effects on the two processes were investigated. The technique of tritiated thymidine labeling of DNA with autoradiography was used, in conjunction with the mitotic count, to study alterations in the generative cycle. Prior to irradiation, ovariectomized female rats were treated daily with diethylstilbestrol for a period of 2 weeks to create a steady state in the vaginal cell population.