Chemical Protection against X-radiation in the Guinea-pig

SummaryThe protective effect of RNA and ATP against x-radiation injury has been demonstrated in guinea-pigs. The protective effect of other nucleotides is probable, but not fully proved, because of the small number of animals. The survival rates of the protected animals considerably exceeded those of the controls. Leucocyte counts and haematocrits returned to normal values in the protected animals, 3 weeks following irradiation. ATP concentration in the blood of the controls showed a considerable decrease a few hours following irradiation. In the fatal cases it may drop to 5·6–6·7 mg per cent. In the ATP-protected animals the initial drop was the same as in the controls. But after 7 days ATP concentration returned to normal levels, in many instances with a tendency to overshooting reactions. In contrast to ATP protection the response to RNA was different. The initial drop was absent, or ATP concentration even slightly increased.