FURTHER STUDIES OF THE INFLUENCE OF DIET ON RADIOSENSITIVITY OF GUINEA PIGS, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO BROCCOLI AND ALFALFA
Earlier studies showed that supplementation of a bran and oats diet with cabbage decreased the radiosensitivity of guinea pigs. Attempts were made to elucidate the dietary factors conferring radioprotection on guinea pigs. After maintenance on various diets, they were exposed to 350rad of Co/sup 60/ gamma radiation or 400-r of x radiation. Whole-body exposure to either x or gamma radiation resulted in almost total mortality within 10 to 15 days among young guinea pigs fed a basal diet of bran and oats plus ascorbic acid. It was shown that supplementation with alfalfa, broccoli, and other plant materials high in content of BETA -carotene, for 2 weeks before irradiation and during 20 to 30 days after irradiation, consistently reduced mortality. Other diets showed marginal or no beneficial effects. Supplementation of the bran-oats diet with pure vitamin A or BETA -carotene extended survival time but did not appreciably influence radiationinduced mortality. Guinea pigs fed an adequate purified diet were more resistant to radiation injury than those given the bran-oats basal diet. Supplementation of the adequate purified diet with broccoli or alfalfa did not constently affect radiosensitivity under these conditions. The beneficial effect of raw broccoli could not be duplicated by feeding the bran-oats diet supplemented with a mixture of 48 chemically pure ingredients patterned upon the composition of broccoli. The radioprotective agent in alfalfa is water-soluble and is destroyed upon ashing. Two hynotheses are offered to account for these responses. First, the bran-oats diet may impose a requirement which does not exist with the purified diet, either due to the presence of some substance detrimental to absorption or to a specific nutrient imbalance. Alternatively, an unrecognized essential substance may be provided by both green plant materials and some ingredient of the purified diet. (H.H.D.)
- Research Organization:
- Armed Forces Food and Container Inst., Chicago
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-033686
- OSTI ID:
- 4663208
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Nutrition (U.S.), Journal Name: Journal of Nutrition (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 79; ISSN JONUA
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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