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Radiosensitization of Staphylococcus aureus by secobarbital sodium and other barbiturates

Journal Article · · Radiat. Res.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3576162· OSTI ID:5653295

The barbiturate hypnotic, secobarbital sodium, at millimolar concentrations, sensitizes Staphylococcus aureus in anoxic buffer-saline suspension (pH 7.0) to the lethal effects of ..gamma.. rays. The maximal response represents 50% of that for oxygenated suspensions without additive. Secobarbital sodium operates within the oxygen effect. It must be present at the time of irradiation for modification of radiation response. This, coupled with its testing in the presence of other additives, points to its involvement in an intracellular reaction with a radiation-induced short-lived chemical species, probably the electron. Preliminary tests show that pentobarbital sodium also operates as an efficient hypoxic radiosensitizer. Lack of sensitization by phenobarbital sodium is attributed to its low lipid solubility.

Research Organization:
Hebrew Univ. of Jerusalem, Israel
OSTI ID:
5653295
Journal Information:
Radiat. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Radiat. Res.; (United States) Vol. 96:1; ISSN RAREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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