Daily rhythm of iron content of the spleen after X-irradiation

Iron was assayed by the histochemical method in the spleens of mice irradiated with a single lethal dose of X-rays (2100 R). In comparison with controls, the concentrations of iron showed distinct changes characterized by a daily rhythm. The spleens were secured for examination at 6-hour intervals (12, 18, 24 and 6 hrs) during three consecutive days after irradiation. In the control group, the iron levels showed a weakly expressed rhythm, and in the irradiated group iron levels were increased, with distinct maxima in the night hours (24 hrs), declining gradually in the daytime. (author)