Influence of increasing X-ray doses on serum protein levels in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus)

A study was made of the effect of X radiation upon serum protein levels in 110 adult New Hampshire cocks and hens, 10 to 14 months old, divided into groups of ten and X-irradiated with doses of 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1400, 1600 and 1800 R (at a dose rate of 40 R/min) ranging from LDsub(0) to LDsub(100/14). Significant serum protein changes were found only upon exposure to 1000 R or higher doses and were similar to changes described generally in mammals exposed to ionizing radiation. The most pronounced changes were a decrease in albumin and gamma globulin fractions and an increase in alpha and beta globulin fractions. (author)