Characteristics of the oxygen regime in radiosensitive tissues in course of irradiation and with application of radiomodifying drugs

Using the microelectrode polarography technique it has been found that the oxygen regime in the radiosensitive tissues (spleen) is drastically disturbed in the course of irradiation and during a short period thereupon. The effect manifests itself in phase changes of the pO2 resulting eventually in a profound hypoxia. It depends on irradiation dose and exposure time. 5-methoxytryptamine and cystamine alter the pattern of hypoxia development and stabilize the pO2 at a level as these radioprotective compounds usually do in radiosensitive tissues. (author)