Influence of Cosmic Radiation on Experimental Tuberculosis

Abstract

THE results of two series of experiments on the action of cosmic radiation on experimental tuberculosis in mice are reported below. In the first series, eighty mice were injected intravenously in Leyden (sea-level) with 1 mgm. of tubercle bacilli and transported four days later to the Jungfraujoch (3,457 m.). One group was exposed to the direct action of cosmic radiation, a second group was placed under 2 cm. of lead, which gave the maximum intensity of showers, a third group was screened from cosmic radiation, and a fourth group was exposed to daylight and ultraviolet light down to 3,300 A., being thus subjected only to the hard component of the cosmic radiation. The first three groups were placed in a room without daylight, illuminated by a 40-watt electric lamp.