Radiation-induced diploid spermatids in mice.

Diploid elongated spermatids of mice were enriched by flow cytometry and cell sorting using a new type of sorter (Partec). The sorted abnormal spermatids were identified morphologically and by nuclear area integration. The radiation-induced increase in the frequency of diploid elongated spermatids was monitored with time following acute X-ray exposure of mice. Dose-response curves for acute 60Co-gamma and 14 MeV neutron irradiations yielded an RBE value of 4.3 for the doubling of the control level.