Crypt cell population changes in the mouse jejunum during injury and repair after whole-body gamma irradiation

Adult Swiss albino mice were exposed to 4.5 Gy, 9.0 Gy and 12.0 Gy of 60Co gamma rays and post-irradiation variations in the crypt cell population of jejunum were studied. In all the three exposure groups, a significant decrease in cellularity was observed on day 1. With the beginning of recovery crypt cell population tended to increase and gradually approached normal value by day 8 and 14 in mice exposed to 4.5 Gy and 9.0 Gy respectively. In mice exposed to 12.0 Gy normal value was never attained.