[Reasons for the quantitative differences in the formation of chromatin breakdown products following exposure to neutrons and gamma radiation].

Relative content of salt-soluble chromatin fragments in rat thymus increased after the effect of neutrons, as compared to gamma-radiation, while cell depletion of the organ was similar with both types of radiation. This was not associated with the rate and extent of chromatin degradation in thymocytes and was an indication of death of a larger number of thymocytes after the effect of neutrons.