The Influence of Cystamine Administered by Mouth to Mice Irradiated with Gamma-rays at a Low Dose-rate

SummaryMice fed on a diet containing 1 per cent of cystamine (2HCl) were exposed to gamma-radiation from a 137Cs source at dose-rates varying from 10 to 0·026 r/min; the total dose was 700–900 r.Cystamine in these conditions not only fails to protect but increases mortality. The deleterious effect of cystamine increases with the decrease in dose-rate and prolongation of its administration.Cystamine increases greying of hair of C57Bl. mice irradiated at low doserate.