Effects of sperm ultraviolet irradiation on the embryonic development of Rana pipiens

This investigation is concerned with the role played by irradiated sperm in the subsequent embryonic development of the frog Rana pipiens. The ultraviolet irradiation of the sperm was followed by the fertilization of untreated eggs. Determinations included mitotic index, nuclear diameter, chromosomal constitution, and percentage survival. Results show that the low-dose embryos were the most severely affected ones in spite of their diploid constitution. Embryos resulting from higher dosages of sperm irradiation were all haploid but showed less severe growth and cytological abnormalities. It is conjectured that radiation-induced damage to the sperm also involves its protamine moiety since considerable damage can occur without any alteration in the chromosomal constitution of the low-dose embryos.