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In vitro experiments on effects of selective x radiation on catalase activity

Journal Article · · Radiobiology (USSR) (Engl. Transl.); (United States)
OSTI ID:5389366

The hypothesis of special radiosensitivity of heme-containing enzymes, which are involved in and determine processes of energy metabolism, has been expounded. It has been demonstrated that when heme-containing enzymes are exposed to radiation substantial conformational changes occur in their molecule. This was demonstrated on hemoglobin, cytochromes, and catalase. Catalase is directly involved in processes of conjugated oxidative phosphorulation, and it is a radiosensitive enzyme. One can use the characteristic radiation of x rays, emitted by the nickel and iron anode, for direct proof of vulnerability of iron. The data indicate that irradiation with the nickel anode induces more profound change in catalase activity than with the iron anode. The energy of characteristic radiation emitted by the nickel anode was found to be more effective because, in addition to the general deleterious effect of penetrating radiation on these objectives, there was also the selective effect on the atom of iron contained in the active center of heme-containing enzymes. (ERB)

Research Organization:
Leningrad Inst. of Chemicopharmaceuticals, USSR
OSTI ID:
5389366
Journal Information:
Radiobiology (USSR) (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Radiobiology (USSR) (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 18:3; ISSN RADBA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English