Biochemical changes in rat tissues as affected by the combined action of external gamma-radiation and 239Pu in different doses

Under the combined effect of external gamma-radiation (25.8 and 103.2 mC/kg) and 239Pu (18.5 and 92.5 kBq/kg body weight) the changes in the nucleic acids of rat thymus tissues depended upon the intensity of gamma- and alpha-radiation. The damage to the thymus produced by the combined effect was weaker than that of the effect of the two types of radiation delivered separately. In bone tissue, summation of the oppositely directed changes in alkaline phosphatase activity was registered after the effect of gamma-radiation and 239Pu delivered separately.     

Cholinergic processes as affected by small doses of radiation on the host

Acetylcholine content of blood and cholinesterase activity in blood and tissues of albino rats were studied at different time-intervals after gamma-irradiation with doses of 12.9 and 25.8 mC/kg. Cholinergic processes were found to change with the development of radiation dose.     

Degree of damage to dogs from a combination of external gamma-radiation and inhalation of submicron 239Pu dioxide evaluated by integral indices

The possibility of quantitation of the organism affection by the combined effect of external gamma-irradiation (103.2 and 51.6 mC/kg) and succeeding inhalation of different amounts of 239Pu submicron dioxide was shown on 55 mongrel dogs using the following criteria: the rate of extracellular fluid accretion and the body weight loss.     

Effect of external gamma radiation on shortening the life expectancy and rates of the formation of absorbed doses from incorporated 239Pu in dogs

External gamma irradiation of dogs with doses of 103.2 and 51.6 mC/kg combined with the effect of inhaled plutonium-239 accelerates the formation of absorbed doses in secondary organs of the radionuclide deposition by 41.7 and 2.4 times, respectively, whereas the dose of 25.8 mC/kg is ineffective. As estimated by the rate of 239Pu accumulation and by the life span shortening, the minimum effective and the maximum ineffective doses are 104.8 and 80.5 cGy and 89.2 and 79.2 cGy, respectively.     

Aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activity in the blood of dogs exposed to the joint action of external gamma- and internal alpha-radiation

After the effect of external gamma-radiation (6.5 to 51.6 mC/kg) and inhaled 239Pu submicron oxide, containing 25% of 241Am, (approximately 7 to 10 kBq/kg) delivered separately and in a combination, activities of alanine-aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase changed in an undulatory manner tending to increase at later times; the change rating was a function of type and level of radiation as well as the time lapsed from the onset of exposure. The combined effect of gamma- and alpha-radiation did not exceed the additive effect of the two factors delivered separately.     

Quantitative evaluation of the combined effect of external gamma radiation and internal alpha radiation from 239Pu based on biochemical indices of the organs of the rat immune system

The combined effect of external gamma-radiation (137Cs, 103-26 mC/kg) and incorporated alpha-radiation (239Pu nitrate, 93-9.3 kBq/kg body mass) was estimated by changes in the nucleic acid metabolism and the number of cells in rat thymus, spleen and bone marrow. The data obtained were processed using a model of multiplicate action of the factors which is equivalent, in the case of low effects, to a traditional model of additive effects. The results of the combined action of the two factors may be estimated by the coefficient of the interaction and the coefficient of the enhancement of the effects.     

Removal of monomeric 239Pu from bones and liver by liposome-encapsulated pentacin

Dependence of monomeric 239Pu removal from the liver and skeleton by liposome-encapsulated pentacine on dose and concentration of encapsulated chelate was studied in rats. It has been shown that the liposome-encapsulated pentacine (LP) removed 1.5-2.5 times as much 239Pu as free chelate (FP). Dose-effect dependences were logarithmic. The distinction between LP and FP in 239Pu removal from the liver was maximum when chelate had been used in a dose of 50 mumol/kg, with the dose effect upon injection in a large number of liposomes (200 mumol of lipids/kg) being 1.8 times as high as upon injection in smaller number of liposomes (50 mumol/kg). LP doses varying from 100 to 400 mumol/kg, there were no differences between two types of LP; with a LP dose of 400 mumol/kg its action is a bit stronger than that of the chelate. The distinction between LP and FP in 239Pu removal from the skeleton is the greatest with chelate doses exceeding 100 mumol/kg. The use of liposomes in combination with concentrated chelate solution is more effective. Possible interpretation of the features revealed are discussed.     

Early effects of the influence of ionizing radiation in relatively small doses on the neuromediator systems responding to the central regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal cortex system

In experiments with mature Wistar male rats changes of mediator interrelations in different brain parts, responsible for the central regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical system, were detected at early times after whole-body X-irradiation with a dose of 12.9 mC/kg. These changes represent one of the major mechanisms leading, at later times after irradiation, to the development of syndromes related to diencephalic disturbances.     

Changes in the mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchi in dogs based on bronchoscopic data for the combined action of 239Pu and gamma-radiation as compared with the individual actions

It was established that under conditions of combined exposure of dogs to external gamma- and internal alpha-radiation, a preirradiation with 51.6 mC/kg gamma-rays prevents the development of the signs of endobronchitis which are typical for endobronchitis induced by inhalation of submicron 239Pu dioxide and manifested by hyperemia of trachea and bronchus mucosa, edema, and the presence of mucopurulent exudate.     

Alkaline phosphatase and transaminase activity in the liver and blood serum of rats in the late periods following combined exposure to external gamma radiation and alpha radiation from plutonium-239

A study was made of activity of alkaline phosphatase and alanine- and aspartate aminotransferase in rat liver and blood serum at remote times after external gamma-irradiation combined with internal exposure to 239Pu nitrate delivered in two chronically effective doses. The radionuclide was shown to be mainly responsible for the changes observed in activity of the enzymes under study. The degree to which the changes were manifest depended upon dose of plutonium administered.     

Life-span of rats as affected by a combination of external (137Cs) and internal (237Np) radiation

A study was made of a change in the mean life of rats exposed to external gamma-radiation (51.6 mC/kg) and 237Np (a polymeric nitrate form) administered intratracheally (0.2-188.0 kBq/kg) delivered separately and in a combination. It was established that the effects of gamma- and alpha-radiation were summated.     

Functional state of the thyroid gland in sheep at a remote period after single administration of Sr-90, Pu-239 and their mixture

Five years after single intravenous injection of a mixture of 239Pu and 90Sr to semifine-wool sheep (7.4 kBq/kg + 185 kBq/kg) the iodine-fixing and hormone secreting functions of the thyroid gland were inhibited; where 90Sr alone was injected in the above dose inhibited was the hormone-secreting function only. Since 239Pu alone did not cause such alterations, the observed remote effect was attributed to the effect of the incorporated 90Sr.     

Radiosensitivity and proliferative activity of vertebral CFU-S surviving in mice injected with oncogenic activities of 239Pu or 241Am

Survival, radiosensitivity and capability to produce differentiated progeny were followed in CFU-S from lumbar vertebrae of mice injected with 198.6 kBq 239Pu/kg or 208.6 kBq 241Am/kg. The CFU-S assay and 59Fe uptake into spleen colonies were used. The number of CFU-S from treated mice was significantly lower than in controls. Higher radiosensitivity of CFU-S from 239Pu- or 241Am-treated mice was demonstrated using additional exposure to 0.5 Gy X-rays 1, 24, 48, 72 hrs after cell transplantation and expressed more precisely by survival curves obtained 1 hr after the marrow cell injection. The effect of 239Pu on CFU-S was characterized by Do 0.58 Gy (n = 0.91) and that of 241Am by Do 0.64 Gy (n = 0.91); corresponding control values were Do 0.89 Gy, n = 1.11. Lower iron utilization due not only to the decreased CFU-S numbers, but also to the defective production of erythroid cells per one CFU-S was found. Complexity of radiation effect on hemopoietic stem cells was demonstrated by the present study.     

Effect of chronic gamma irradiation on dehydrogenase activity in the tissues of root voles and their progeny dwelling in a habitat with increased radioactivity

Chronic gamma-irradiation during 3.5 and 6 months (at a dose = rate of 46.2 pC/kg X c) of Microtus oeconomus living in conditions of normal and increased (by 50-100 times) gamma-radiation background, and of their progeny (the 1st, 2nd, 3d, and 4th generations) causes in homogenates of cardiac muscle, liver, and brain different changes in activity of succinate dehydrogenase (1.3.99.1, EC), pyruvate dehydrogenase (1.2.4.1, EC), and lactate dehydrogenase (1.1.1.27, EC) associated with the discordance of the processes of tissue respiration and glycolysis. The changes in dehydrogenases activity in Microtus oeconomus subjected to chronic irradiation were nearly the same as those found in their parents.     

Psychophysiological development of two generations of female rats chronically exposed to gamma-irradiation during pregnancy in the total dose of 1 Gy and its modification by melanin

The purpose of the work was to study the embryotoxic action of chronic gamma-irradiation of pregnant female rats (F0) during the first 10 days of pregnancy in the total dose of 1 Gy (mean dose rate of 5.31 mGy/hour) on psychophysiological development of posterity of the first (F1) and the second (F2) generations and its modification by natural pigment melanin (peroral 10 mg/kg once per day during the irradiation). 54 pregnant female Wistar rats were the objects of research were their 180 descendants of the first generation and about 400 descendants of the second generation of maternal and of paternal lines. Psychophysiological development and its correction by melanin estimated on ability to learning with the test of training a conditioned avoidance reflex in the shuttle box. Precise negative action of gamma-irradiation in the aforesaid dose on psychophysiological development of posterity of the first generation is established. At rats of the second generation the inferiority is shown mainly at descendants of maternal line. Application of melanin of natural origin in most cases diminished negative consequences of the irradiation.     

Dynamic analysis of the induction of chromosome aberrations in the bone marrow cells of laboratory mice

A study was made of the incidence of such damages as breaks, gaps, and exchanges occurring in bone marrow cells of CBA mice after irradiation with a dose of 12.9 mC/kg. Males and females exhibited a similar spontaneous chromosome aberration level. Nevertheless, the experimental results obtained indicate that males are more radiosensitive than females.     

Effect of sodium humate on animals irradiated with lethal doses

A therapeutic effect of natrium humate given to experimental mongrel rats exposed to 60Co-gamma-radiation of lethal doses has been studied. A single administration of natrium humate, 5-10 min following irradiation with a dose of 193.5 mC/kg (LD100/30) leads to a 43.3 per cent survival of animals after 60 days; with a dose of 232.2 mC/kg (LD100/8) there is a trend toward the increase in the life span of exposed rats.     

Metabolic kinetics and the biological action of 238Pu in the body of rabbits after intratracheal administration

A study was made of the distribution and biological effect of 238Pu nitrate intratracheally administered to rabbits. The skeleton and liver were the main organs in which 238Pu was secondarily deposited to make 63.5 and 12.9%, respectively, of the total amount administered. For 60 days of observation 15.3% of the amount administered were excreted in feces and urine. With 238Pu dose of 520 kBq/kg acute radiation sickness developed while at a dose of 4 kBq/kg the life span of animals did not vary from the control.     

Regularities in forming chromosome aberrations in cattle lymphocytes in external and combined radiation exposure

Aberrations in lymphocytes of cattle blood exposed to gamma-radiation and combined radiation were found. It was shown that seven days after the exposure to doses from 64.5 to 103.3 mC/kg a number of aberration varied in the range from 16.1 to 37.7 per 100 cells, whereas a frequency of aberrated cells was from 13.5 to 29.8. After the exposure to 77.3 mC/h and the following inclusion of fused radioactive particles into the fodder (48.1-762.2 Mbq/kg of the live weight), the number of aberrations increased from 25.5 up to 55.0 per 100 cells and the number of aberrated cells increased from 21 up to 43%.     

Deoxyribonuclease activity in the tissues of X-ray irradiated animals with alloxan diabetes

Fractionated X-irradiation (a cumulative dose of 12.9 mC/kg) of animals with alloxan diabetes caused different, with respect to direction and degree, changes in liver nuclease system than those observed in intact animals after similar irradiation. This indicates that insulin is involved in a metabolic response of the organism to irradiation with relatively small doses.