[Effect of the chronic action of small doses of ionizing radiation of the excretion of gaseous metabolic products in albino rats].

White rats were kept in sealed chambers for 3 months and were exposed to chronic gamma-irradiation (100 mur/day). The effect of the exposure on the excretion of some metabolites--ammonia, acetone, carbon monoxide, phenol and organic substances measured by their oxidability--was studied. Under the influence of low doses of gamma-irradiation the excretion of acetone and organic substances decreased, whereas that of carbon monoxide, phenol and ammonia increased. Possible mechanisms responsible for these changes are discussed.