[Effect of gamma radiation on the blood count in chickens]

Postirradiation changes were investigated in 58 days old chicken that had been exposed, in an open experimental gamma field, to a continuous irradiation with Co60 with a flow of 60 R per day for a period of 30 days. Hematological examination was carried out after the total exposure to 600 R, 780 R, 1020 R, 1500 R, and 1800 R. More pronounced changes were recorded in the white blood count and in the number of thrombocytes, whereas no significant changes were found in the number of erythrocytes even after 30 days' irradiation. Leucopenia was found to occur in the case of 780 R and more. A significant lymphopenia occurred only in the case of 600 R and 780 R. Basophils responded more sensitively than did eosinophils. A highly significant thrombocytopenia was ascertained in the case of the total exposure from 780 to 1800 R. Hemorrhage, as a symptom of postirradiation diathesis, was not found.