Effects of 14 MeV Neutrons and X-Rays, Singly or Combined on the Reproductive Capacity of L Cells

Abstract

In order to clarify whether the effects of neutrons on mammalian cells are qualitatively different from those of X or gamma-rays, L cells were irradiated with D-T neutrons and 180 kvp X-rays, singly or combined. From analysis of dose response curves, it is concluded that cell killing mechanism of neutrons is not the same as that of X-ray, but there is something common in part between them. RBE values of neutrons with respect to X-rays calculated from dose response curves was 2.5-1.5 for 50%-1% survival.