Changes in the blood concentration of nucleic acids in irradiated rats following adeturon protection

The postradition changes in the summed up amount of RNA and DNA in the rat blood are studied. Male Wistar rats are irradiated by X-rays using exposure dose 258.10-4 and 516.10-4 Ci/kg. The changes in nucleic acids (NA) content are assayed within 8 hours and 3 days of irradiation by recording the alterations in the number and qualitative composition of the white blood cells. The potential for reducing the extent of radiation injury of nucleic acids is estimated after intraperitoneal introduction of 300μ/kg weight adeturon. Irradiation of the animals produced noticeable and dose correlated decrease in the blood NA level. Adeturon administration reduces the degree of radiation injury. The possibility to employ the changes in NA as a test for early diagnosis of radiation injury, and prompt screening of potential radioprotectors is discussed. (author)