Cellular and molecular changes in mammary epithelial cells following irradiation.

The present paper describes experiments conducted over the last several years which have focused primarily on the development of mammary tumors in BALB/c mice after neutron and gamma irradiation. Time-dose relationships for induction of mammary and lung tumors following irradiation with fission-spectrum neutrons and 137Cs gamma rays are described. Subsequent studies have used in vivo/in vitro approaches to characterize cellular and molecular changes. These studies suggest quantitative and qualitative differences in the effects of neutrons and gamma rays.