[Chromosome translocations in the sex cells of mice subjected to chronic low-dose gamma-irradiation].

Translocation induction in mouse spermatogonia by continuous whole-body gamma irradiation (radium 226) was studied. Total doses, delivered at a rate of 13.0 +/- 1.3 X 10(-4) rad/min for various time intervals, were 97, 195, 294 and 442 rad. Cytological examination within 3 to 4 months after irradiation indicated the presence of translocations in 0.16, 0.30, 0.75 and 1.29 percent respectively, of primary spermatocytes at diakinesis metaphase I. Data on translocation induction (Y) as related to total irradiation dose (D) were best fitted to a second power parabola equation (Y=5.1 X 10(-6)D2 + 7.32 X 10(-4) X D). The results obtained confirm that chronic gamma irradiation is of low genetic efficiency, and support the suggestion that there exists a dose-rate threshold under which no more changes in exposure efficiency will occur.