International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Organ-Specific Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Responses in Neonatal Mice Following in Utero Irradiation
Early-life ionizing radiation exposure may induce molecular responses without changes in birth outcomes. We examined whether in utero exposure to 0.2 Gy X-rays affects mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and an index estimating the proportion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecules amplifiable across a defined long region. Pregnant mice received sham irradiation or exposure on embryonic day 8 (E8) or 15 (E15). Offspring brain, heart, and liver were examined at birth, with litter means used as experimental units. …