Poly(ADP-ribosylation) of proteins determines the pool of endogenous NAD and the radiosensitivity of thymus lymphocytes

A decrease in the endogenous NAD content that occurs immediately after gamma-irradiation of thymus lymphocytes is attributed to activation of poly (ADP-ribosylation) and not to changes in the activity of NAD-glycohydrolase and/or to the release of NAD from cells. The addition of benzamide 60 min before irradiation prevents the postirradiation drop of the NAD level and produces a radioprotective effect. At the same time, benzamide inhibits nuclear superhelix DNA repair and causes an average of 40 per cent decrease in the activity of DNA ligases I and II. The authors discuss the idea that the content of intracellular NAD in thymocytes is a critical factor responsible for the vitality of these cells.