THE EFFECT OF IONIZING RADIATION ON PROTEIN AND CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN THE RAT LENS

Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Investigative Ophthalmology (U.S.) Changed to Invest. Ophthalmol. Visual Sci.

OSTI ID:4738831

Lerman, S; Devi, A; Banerjee, R

In an attempt to elucidate some of the biochemical mechanisms which may be responsible for the pathogenesis of radiation cataract, some aspects of protein, RNA, and carbohydrate metabolism were investigated in the lenses of rats exposed to a single cataractogenic dose of x radiation (1500 r, whole-body or locally to the head). Data were obtained on C/sup 14/-leucine incorporation into the soluble and insoluble protein-RNA complex of lens. There was a marked increase in the 6-hr incorporation of leucine into the insoluble protein-RNA complex of lenses derived from both groups of irradiated rats as compared with controls. There was also a marked increase in incorporation of P/sup 32/ into the albuminoid RNA fraction from irradiated lenses as compared with control lenses. This increase was maintained for at least 24 hr after irradiation. The results of recovery of C/sup 14/O/sub 2/ from control and experimental lenses incubated with glucose-1-C/sup 14/ or (G-6-P) dehydrogenase showed no changes in irradiated lenses. However, there was an increase in lactate concentration of lens one week after irradiation, which returned to normal at the end of the second week. Anaerobic glycolysis was not only unaffected by radiation, but may be capable of an increased activity after exposure to radiation. It appears that there is a marked increase in the turnover of the albuminoid RNA as reflected by an increased incorporation of P/sup 32/ into this molecule, while the concentration of this RNA remains unchanged. (TCO)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Rochester, N.Y.
• NSA Number: NSA-17-017726
• OSTI ID: 4738831
• Journal Information: Investigative Ophthalmology (U.S.) Changed to Invest. Ophthalmol. Visual Sci., Journal Name: Investigative Ophthalmology (U.S.) Changed to Invest. Ophthalmol. Visual Sci. Vol. Vol: 1; ISSN INOPA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

AMINO ACIDS
BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
CARBOHYDRATES
CARBON 14
CARBON DIOXIDE
DEHYDROGENASES
ENZYMES
EYES
GLUCOSE
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
LACTIC ACID
LEUCINE
METABOLISM
ORGANIC ACIDS
PHOSPHORUS 32
PROTEINS
QUANTITY RATIO
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION INJURIES
RATS
RIBONUCLEIC ACID
SUGARS
X RADIATION