ABSTRACT
Ionizing radiation exerts harmful effect during the limb development, but the exact mechanism is still largely unknown. In this study, 2 Gy of X-ray irradiated to the rat fetuses on gestation day of 13.7 when the hindlimb buds appear, and sacrificed at GD 14.7, GD 15.7 and GD 16.7, respectively. To reveal the changes of apoptotic figures between control and experimental groups, TUNEL immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy were carried. Mean body weight of fetuses of irradiated groups were decreased significantly compared to the control group. Numerical digit anomalies and asymmetries between right and left sides were increased significantly in the irradiated group compared to control group. Some digit anomalies were increased significantly in the right side. Radiation-induced decrement of the density of apoptotic figures on GD 14.7 was presumed to be related with foot and digit anomalies.