Comparative effects of electron and neutron irradiation on the release of enzymes from isolated rat-spleen lysosomes

SummaryThe effects of irradiation by electrons and Cyclotron neutrons have been compared in a membrane system consisting of isolated rat-spleen lysosomes in suspension. For irradiation in air, the r.b.e.'s for the release of four out of the five enzymes investigated were less than one. When lysosomes were irradiated under nitrogen, at all doses up to 100 krads, neutrons were found to be sub-stantially more effective than electrons. Values of o.e.r. for neutrons (∼2·5) were greater than those commonly observed for mammalian cell death. The results are discussed in the light of certain models for radiation damage to cells. A novel irradiation vessel is described.