Abstract
Abstract
The administration of glutathione and other nonprotein sulfhydryl (NPSH) compounds is known to increase the survival of animals receiving lethal doses of ionizing radiation. Little information is available concerning the effects of radiation on the tissue levels of NPSH compounds. In this study, the tissue nonprotein sulfhydryl concentration was determined in various organs of the rat during the early postirradiation period. Animals were sacrificed at 15 min; 4, 12, and 24 hr; and 5 and 21 days following 650 R of X irradiation. Livers, spleens, and kidneys were rapidly removed and NPSH levels were determined. In the spleen there was a significant increase in NPSH concentration occurring as early as 15 min, after exposure (75 vs 90 mg%). It returned to control levels at 4 hr, but increased again at 24 hr, following exposure to X irradiation. At 24 hr levels decreased sharply and remained depressed throughout the remainder of the observation period. In the liver a significant decrease occurred at 5 days. The data suggest that in addition to their pharmacologic action, glutathione and other naturally occurring SH compounds may be important in the physiologic response to radiation.
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