Goblet cell kinetics in postnatal mice irradiated in utero with gamma radiation and its protection by MPG

Pregnant Swiss albino mice at different fetal growth period, 14 1/4, 16 1/4 and 18 1/4 days post-conception (d.p.c.) were exposed to 50, 150 and 250 R gamma radiation in presence and absence of MPG. The pattern of change in goblet cell number of both the crypt and villus in post partum (p.p.) animals irradiated in utero is biphasic. First decline is noticed at 1 day p.p. age. The second phase of decline occurs at 4 week p.p. and brings the value to the minimum. The maximum reduction is observed in 14 1/4 d.p.c. group at all the p.p. intervals with all the 3 doses used. Injection of MPG prior to irradiation in all the gestation days shows significant higher values in all the p.p. intervals