The (ADP-ribose)n transferase activity of enterocyte nuclei of small intestine is studied in rats in normal and under radiation injury of intestine mucosa. It is shown that kinetics of [14C]-NAD incorporation into the acid-insoluble fraction of enterocyte nuclei is of a two-step character when the medium contains 1-15 microM of NAD. The X-ray irradiation of animals (a dose of 0.21 cells per kg) evokes changes in the (ADP-ribose)n transferase activity in nuclei of enterocytes isolated 1-72 h after irradiation. The irradiation results in distortion of the two-step kinetics of (ADP-ribose) synthesis in nuclei. The most pronounced activation of this biopolymer synthesis occurs 1,24 and 36 h after irradiation. In other periods a decrease in the level of (ADP-ribose)n synthesis is observed. Changes in the (ADP-ribose)n transferase activity in nuclei of enterocytes reflect the phase character of radiation sickness course in the small intestine. Activation of these processes is supposed to be a result of intensification of molecular mechanisms of DNA molecule reparation.