Radioprotective effect of MPG (2-mercaptopropionylglycine) on the postnatal growth of mice irradiated in utero.

Pregnant mice at gestation days 14 1/4, 16 1/4 and 18 1/4 were exposed to 250 R gamma rays in presence and absence of MPG, a -SH radioprotector. There was a biphasic weight loss in post partum animals born to irradiated mothers. In the MPG treated young ones, the second weight loss was remarkably averted. It was also found that 14 1/4 day of gestation was more radiosensitive than 16 1/4 or 18 1/4 days.