Is there a negative correlation between the mRNA produced by the cell and the time of extraction?
$\gamma$-irradiation produces single- and double-strand DNA breaks, depending on the dosage, and activates DNA damage repair pathways like p53. During this time, the cell cycle arrests and most if not all mRNA production ceases. For sub-lethal doses of $\gamma$ rays, I would expect to see newly-produced mRNA levels drop off fairly quickly with time following the initial dose, then possibly begin to ramp up again later as the damage is repaired and the cell cycle arrest checkpoints released.