Loss of Soluble Materials from Irradiated Thymocytes in Vitro
Following exposure to x radiation in doses above 100 r, rat thymocytes lose soluble compounds into the extracellular fluid during incubation in Krebs- Ringer solution at 37 un. Concent 85% C and pH 7.4. Acid-soluble ribonucleotide and potassium ion concentrations in the irradiated cells decreased markedly after an initial lag period of 1 hr, during which the irradiated thymocytes could not be distinguished from control cells. The losses were accompanied by a gradual depolymerization of deoxyribonucleic acid. At least one labile enzyme, deoxycytidylate deaminase, also became inactivated. A similar loss of nucleotides and potassium ion from the thymus gland also occurred following its irradiation in the intact animal. A decrease in pH or temperature during incubation of irradiated thymocyte suspensions minimized the loss of potassium from the cells; the same treatments were found previously to decrease the sensitivity of the cells to the lethal effects of x radiation. The loss of soluble materials appeared to be related to subsequent death of the cells. However, rapid loss of intracellular potassium from thymocytes is probably due to a breakdown of intracellular binding structures rather than to inhibition of active ion transport.
- Research Organization:
- Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., Chalk River, Ont.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-023110
- OSTI ID:
- 4712666
- Journal Information:
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Journal Name: Biochemistry and Cell Biology Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 41; ISSN 0829-8211
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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