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Effect of N-ethylmaleimide on the response to x rays of synchronized HeLa cells

Journal Article · · Radiat. Res., v. 65, no. 2, pp. 337-350
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3574206· OSTI ID:4042865

The presence of 0.75 $mu$M N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) during irradiation of synchronous HeLa cells at different stages of their cycle enhances cell killing (i.e., sensitizes) in early G$sub 1$ and late S, but does not affect mitotic cells or cells at the G$sub 1$/S border. The effect is primarily on the shoulder of the survival curve, rather than its slope. NEM given immediately before or after irradiation is as effective as during irradiation. When given as a function of time after exposure the effect decreases in magnitude, cells becoming insensitive to NEM more rapidly in S than in G$sub 1$. The drug is also effective if administered prior to irradiation, the effect generally decreasing the longer the interval between treatment and irradiation. The addition of 1.0 mM hydroxyurea (HU) to synchronous HeLa cells in G$sub 1$ showed that survival changes occur as the cells proceed through the cell cycle even in the absence of DNA synthesis. The changes observed are qualitatively the same as those observed previously in Chinese hamster cells. The irradiation of HU-inhibited cells in the presence of 0.75 $mu$M NEM produced almost no variation in survival through the cycle, the inhibited cells showing a sensitivity greater than that normally observed in mitotic cells. The results presented are consistent with the idea that NEM inhibits repair processes in the cell most likely due to its binding to a critical SH-containing enzyme(s) concerned with the repair of radiation damage. (auth)

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-33-029551
OSTI ID:
4042865
Journal Information:
Radiat. Res., v. 65, no. 2, pp. 337-350, Journal Name: Radiat. Res., v. 65, no. 2, pp. 337-350; ISSN RAREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English