Summary.A sequential study of the acute effects of prenatal X-irradiation on telencephalic cell population dynamics was performed by combining a pathological evaluation with autoradiographic methods. This study confirmed that a dose of 0,95 Gy affects nearly all neuroblasts in the GI-, G2-, and M-stage lethally. Within ventricular cells staying in the S-phase at the time of X-irradiation, lethal effects are in the range between 50% and 75%. The surviving remainder of these neuroblasts is responsible for subsequent attempts for regeneration of the telencephalic roof. Two subpopulations of the surviving S-phase cells were observed: The first subpopulation which seems to be restricted to the rudiments of the ventricular zone shows a S/G2-blockade for 8-12 h after X-irradiation. Thereafter these cells start again with mitotic activity. The second subpopulation is morphologically manifested by the formation of heterotopic cell nests, i.e., so-called rosettes. These cells continue with an intense DNA-replication after the 12th h post irradiation and proceed to the mitosis stage only after about another 4 -8 h, i.e., the 16th to 20th hour following X-irradiation. These findings indicate the existence of two different pools of regenerative cells within the telencephalic roof, giving rise to either orthotopic or heterotopic growth processes after irradiation injury.