This experiment was performed to clarify the effects of 60Co gamma irradiation on secretory function, amylase activity and contents of nucleic acids of parotid gland in rat. Experimental animals were divided into 6th hours, 3rd, 7th, 14th and 28th days after irradiation and control. The experimental animals are singly irradiated with 20Gy (2,000rad) through protective lead block. Secretory function of parotid gland was evaluted by uptake and clearance of 99mTcO₄. 99mTcO₄. 0.2μ ci/gm, was injected into peritonium in uptake groups. Rats were sacrified with cervical dislocation after 30 minutes and gland was excised. In the clearance group. pilocarpine nitrate (8㎎/㎏) was intraperitoneally injected at 30 minutes after 99mTcO₄ injection and rats were sacrified 30 minutes after pilocarpine injection. Radioactivity of excised parotid gland was measured by using of gamma counter and stimulation-secretion coefficients, uptake radioactivity divided by clearance radioactivity, was calculated. Amylase activity and contents of DNA and RNA were determined by spectrophotometry. The results obtained were as follows: 1. In the uptake test, the radioactivity of 99mTcO₄ per unit weight increase in experimental group except 6th hours group, compared with control groups and showed a peak at 3rd days after irradiation. 2. In the clearance test, the radioactivity of 99mcO₄per unit weight rose to a peak at 3rd days after irradiation and gradually recovered thereafter. 3. Stimulation-secretion coefficient of parotid gland decreased at 6th hours, 3rd and 7th days after irradiation, and gradually increased. 4. Amylase activity of parotid gland decreased in 3rd and 7th days group, and especially lowest in 3rd days after irradiation. 5. The contents of DNA showed no definite difference in all the experimental groups, but RNA was seemed to decrease with time after irradiation.
