Biochemical study on the postnatally developing mouse liver after a low level tritiated (HTO) in utero exposure

Pregnant mice were continuously irradiated (0.3 microCi (11.1 kBq)/ml of drinking HTO) from the 16th day post coitum. Biochemical studies were made on liver of mice 1 to 6 weeks post partum. RNA content increased significantly at 1 and 2 weeks while it decreased at later intervals. DNA concentration decreased till 4 weeks but at 5th and 6th week it increased by 3.70% and 22.64%, respectively. Protein content showed biphasic pattern whereas, cholesterol concentration increased after irradiation.