Reproductive parameters in AF mice after chronic low-dose gamma radiation

The results of the study of reproductive parameters in Af mice after chronic low-intensity γ-radiation at doses of 10, 20 and 30 cGy are presented. Males and females of the experimental groups were exposed to external γ-radiation (0.474x106 and 0.451x106 kBq226Ra) for 29, 56 and 84 days, at an average dose rate of 150 µSv/h. Immediately after the end of radiation exposure, pairs for animal reproduction were formed in the experimental and control groups. During the next three months, the number of females participating in reproduction, the number of litters and the number of cubs born were recorded in each group, and the early postnatal mortality of cubs (F1) was also estimated. In addition, radiation effects in male germ cells were studied 4 months after the termination of radiation exposure. The obtained results showed an increase in the number of cubs per female (at doses of 10-30 cGy) and the number of cubs in the litter (at doses of 20 and 30 cGy). It should be noted that the number of cubs in litters increased in females fertilized in the first 2-3 days after the end of radiation exposure, while after fertilization of females 40 or more days after irradiation, no statistically significant differences with the control group were found. The effect of stimulation in the germ cells of males was manifested in an increased content of spermatozoa in the epididymis of animals after radiation exposure at a dose of 30 cGy. An increase in the early postnatal mortality of cubs (F1) was detected in parents exposed to doses of 20 and 30 cGy, however, the reproductive index calculated taking into account the surviving cubs for the first month of life confirms the stimulating effect of ionizing radiation in the studied dose range on the fertility of animals.