Effect of Ionizing Radiation on the Energy Metabolism of Hog Lymphocytes

• Published in: Radiation research 1978-08, Vol.75 (2), p.336-347
• Main Authors: Retelewska, Wanda, Leyko, Wanda
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adenine nucleotides; Adenine Nucleotides - metabolism; Adenine Nucleotides - radiation effects; Animals; Blood; Energy Metabolism - radiation effects; Energy value; Erythrocytes; Gamma Rays; Irradiation; Lymphocytes; Lymphocytes - metabolism; Lymphocytes - radiation effects; Neutrons; Nucleotides; Radiation dosage; Ribonucleotides - metabolism; Ribonucleotides - radiation effects; Space life sciences; Statistical significance; Swine
• ISSN: 0033-7587; 1938-5404
• DOI: 10.2307/3574909

The pattern of biochemical changes induced by irradiation was studied in a relatively broad dose range, from doses on the order of 1 rad up to doses of several kilorad, based on determinations of the content of free nucleotides. The lymphocyte was chosen as a model cell, due to the high radiosensitivity of this type of cell. Changes in the free nucleotide content of hog blood lymphocytes were examined after γ irradiation in the dose range of 50 rad to 7 krad, and after low doses of neutron irradiation. Special attention was paid to the ATP level in irradiated cells. Determinations were always performed 1 hr after irradiation. For adenine nucleotides, a decrease was noted at low doses and an increase in the dose range of several kilorad, with a maximal increase in the content of ATP and other adenine nucleotides at 3 krad of γ radiation. It was demonstrated that the energy charge of the adenine nucleotide system is a sensitive index of radiation-induced biochemical changes.