The Role of Oxygen-Derived Free Radicals in Radiation-Induced Damage and Death of Nondividing Eucaryotic Cells

Isolated alveolar macrophages were exposed in vitro to varying doses of x-radiation. Using dye exclusion as a test for viability, this cell was found to be quite radioresistant relative to other eucaryotic cells. A dose of 11,500 rad was required to kill 50% of the cells when viability was assessed 24 hr after irradiation. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DETAPAC) gave significant protection, whereas ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and mannitol provided little or no protection. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy confirmed these results. In addition to the assessment of macrophage viability, a characteristic function of these cells was measured following exposure to radiation in the absence and presence of the putative protective agents. Phagocytic function as assessed by the rate of ingestion of killed yeast particles was measured before and after exposure of a population of pulmonary macrophages to 2850 rad. This dose of radiation caused a 75% loss of phagocytic function in the irradiated cells. DETAPAC when present during irradiation of the pulmonary macrophages provided nearly complete protection against loss of function. Pulmonary macrophages incubated under specific conditions with superoxide dismutase and catalase retained 50% of the activity of nonirradiated cells. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that hydroxylmore » radicals generated from superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, and iron are the agents of oxygen-induced cell damage caused by ionizing radiation.« less