Catalase, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Ionizing Radiation

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1963 · Radiation Research, Supplement

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3583679· OSTI ID:4704662

Adler, Howard I.

There are many references in the literature to the involvement of hydrogen peroxide in radiobiological phenomena. The extent to which this compound is involved depends, in part, on the catalase activity of the organism being studied. We have accumulated data on hydrogen peroxide and ionizing radiation inactivation of bacterial cells with no catalase activity, with intermediate catalase activity, and with very high catalase activity. Radiationproduced hydrogen peroxide is responsible for a postirradiation inactivation observed in a catalase-negative Esduerichia coli strain. The addition of catalase prevents this postirradiation inactivation but is without effect on the prompt inactivation except if the cells have been grown in a glucose-rich medium. Experiments with three catalase-positive E. coli strains show that there is no positive correlation between catalase content and radiation resistance. There is, however, a correlation between resistance to ionizing radiation and to reagent hydrogen peroxide in these strains. Experiments with a high-catalase mutant of the bacterium Rhodopseudomonas spheroides indicate that, in this organism, catalase is not a significant radiation-protective agent. The results with these bacterial strains of different catalase activities are discussed in relation to other reports, and an attempt is made to define some of the factors that affect the relations between catalase, hydrogen peroxide, and ionizing radiation.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-17-024980
• OSTI ID: 4704662
• Journal Information: Radiation Research, Supplement, Journal Name: Radiation Research, Supplement Vol. 3; ISSN 0485-8611
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BACTERIA
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
CATALASE
ENZYMES
ESCHERICHIA COLI
HYDROGEN PEROXIDES
MUTATIONS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIOBIOLOGY
RADIOSENSITIVITY