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Title: Effect of dexamethasone on the cytotoxic and enzymatic response of cultured endothelial cells to radiation

Journal Article · · Radiat. Res.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3576578· OSTI ID:5198444

Experiments were conducted to determine (1) whether glucocorticoids directly protected endothelial cells (EC) from radiation and (2) if angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, known to be increased by glucocorticoid, played a role in the EC response to radiation. Confluent monolayers of EC cultured from bovine aorta EC were treated with dexamethasone (10/sup -6/ M); after irradiation (5.0 Gy, /sup 60/Co ..gamma..) ACE and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, DNA and protein contents, and nuclei number were measured. Combined dexamethasone treatment and radiation increased cellular ACE activity at a time when neither agent alone had an effect (24-hr dexamethasone exposure before 5 Gy and assayed 24 hr after 5 Gy). This interaction between radiation and dexamethasone treatment suggests that the glucocorticoid modifies the cell's response to injury. Although this interaction does not ameliorate radiation cytotoxicity, maintenance of ACE levels in injured vessels by hormones may have physiological significance in the hemodynamics of irradiated tissues.

Research Organization:
Northwestern Univ. Medical School, Chicago, IL
OSTI ID:
5198444
Journal Information:
Radiat. Res.; (United States), Vol. 103:2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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