Patterns of neuroglial proliferation in spinal cord white matter following exposure to ionizing radiation

X-irradiation temporarily decreases the proliferative activity of neuroglia in immature rat spinal cord. Later, the proliferative activity in these irradiated regions surpasses that noted in control rats. Areas adjacent to the irradiated region have a greater than normal percentage of labelled neuroglia and may also be a source of neuroglia which re-populate the irradiated zone.