Effect on the Reproductive Functions of Female Rhesus Monkeys of Feeding Irradiated Wheat Flour and Potato Diet

Summary We investigated the effects on reproductive functions of feeding adult rhesus monkeys on a diet of irradiated wheat flour and potato. Wheat flour and potatoes were exposed to 75 000 and 10 000 rad, respectively, of gamma-irradiation and then fed to the animals. Various parameters of reproductive function were compared with those of animals fed on unirradiated food. These were: external changes in the reproductive organs, menstrual cycle, vaginal cytology, assay of urinary hormones (oestrogens and pregnanediol), and post-mortem histopathological examination of the reproductive organs. At the end of 3 months, the experimental and control animals behaved similarly with regard to their reproductive functions.