BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF NUCLEAR RADIATION ON THE MONKEY (MACACA MULATTA): TWO-YEAR EVALUATION
Abstract
Macaca mulatta monkeys were exposed to prompt neutron and gamma radiation from two nuclear detonations. At a period roughly two years postirradiation, the survivors were examined with respect to long-term effects on clinical appearance, peripheral hematology, behavior, and cataractogenesis. Recovery of erythroid indices in shot Wilson survivors was (1) functionally complete by about 9 weeks postexposure, (2) effected by production of larger hyperchromic erythrocytes with a normal hemoglobin concentration, and (3) followed by a possible macrocytic hyperchromic anemia for the majority of the 63- to 540day postexposure period. Lymphocytes of the myeloid series were the last to evidence recovery; the single animal that died exhibited a unique lymphocytic hypoplasia, which suggests a differential effect on the precursor tissue. The results with respect to behavior parameters include (1) differences on preliminary Wisconsin General Test Apparatus training which support the hypothesis of a radiation-induced elevation of response threshold values, (2) learning-performance differences in the male radiation dosage groups which are in accord with previous researches on other groups of monkeys, (3) observed differences between male and female monkeys on both learning performance and free-cage behavior parameters, and (4) a radiation-induced facilitation on difficult size discrimination problems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1959
- Accession Number
- AD0611247
Entities
People
- A. A. Mcdowell
- D. B. Williams
- G. S. Melville Jr.
- J. E. Pickering
- T. P. Leffingwell
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine