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Effects of whole- and partial-body irradiation on circulating anterior pituitary hormones and testosterone and the relationship of these hormones to drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver. [Gamma radiation, rats]

Journal Article · · Radiat. Res.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3574562· OSTI ID:5334157

Doses within the range of 850 to 1500 rad given to the whole body, head, or lower-trunk region of male rats cause a marked depression in the rate of oxidative demethylation of drugs in the liver endoplasmic reticulum, 3 to 4 days after the irradiation. The V/sub max/ of the enzyme system is depressed and the K/sub m/ increased. Irradiation to the whole body, head, or lower trunk also causes a fall in the circulating levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) and the concentrations of these hormones are markedly reduced 3 to 4 days after the irradiation. Injections of testosterone or anterior pituitary extract effectively restore the activity of the liver enzyme system after irradiation of the head or lower trunk. It is concluded that whole-body irradiation causes inhibition of drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver by a complex series of interrelated effects on the testis, anterior pituitary, and possibly the hypothalamus.

Research Organization:
Medical College of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London
OSTI ID:
5334157
Journal Information:
Radiat. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Radiat. Res.; (United States) Vol. 72:1; ISSN RAREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English