Effects of Co60 gamma radiations on the conduction properties of frog sciatic nerves

The effect of Co60 gamma radiations on the amplitude, detection period and duration of the action potential of sciatic nerves of Rana Tigrina frogs have been studied. Dose levels of up to 120 KR were employed. Irradiation of the nerves with dose levels upto 30 KR does not seem to affect the action potential profiles. The amplitude falls rapidly therafter, registering less than 5% of the orginal value after irradiation by a dose of 120 KR. Qualitatively similar behaviour is seen in the case of detection period and duration of action potential. These results are examined in the light of the authors' data (11) on the effect of Co60 gamma rays on the enzyme acethlcholinesterase (AchE). Portions of this paper have already been communicated (12).