Effects of total exposure to 60Co γ-radiation on cerebral nicotinamide nucleotides and glutathione in dogs

PXUSESCU, E., TEODOSIU, T., AND CHIRVASIE, R. Effects of Total Exposure to 60Co '-Radiation on Cerebral Nicotinamide Nucleotides and Glutathione in Dogs. Radiat. Res., 51, 302-309 (1972). In two groups of dogs irradiated with o6Co y-rays (300 and 600 rads, respectively) a marked decrease in the content of nicotinamide nucleotides and reduced glutathione of the brain nuclear, mitochondrial and cytoplasmic fractions has been found. From the statistical and correlative analysis of the experimental results it was concluded that: (1) This change is essentially related to the radiation dose; (2) it is quantitatively different from one compound to another and from one subcellular fraction to another; (3) it appears to be a reflection of strong breakdown of these compounds rather than a reflection of synthesis disturbance; and (4) it is possible that cerebral nuclear nicotinamide nucleotide depletion, especially in reduced forms, plays an important role in the mammalian radiation lethality. The results provide evidence for effective attempts in the radioprotection.