The effect of vitamin E on cellular survival after X irradiation of lymphoma cells

Little is known about the molecular lesions responsible for cell lethality induced by ionizing radiation in normal and tumour cells. Increased understanding of the mechanisms involved may lead to an enhanced efficacy of radiation therapy. In a recent paper (Konings and Trieling, 1977) we have shown that lymphosarcoma cells grown in vitamin E deficient mice are more radiosensitive than tumour cells grown in normal mice. It appeared from these experiments that the membranes of the vitamin E depleted tumour cells were more vulnerable to lipid peroxidation. These experiments were suggestive of membrane involvement in radiation-induced cell death. In the present report we provide further evidence on the protective ability of vitamin E against radiation damage.