Mechanisms underlying decreased protein and RNA synthesis in the rat spleen following whole-body X-irradiation.
Whole-body exposure of rats to 1000 R X-rays resulted in decreased rates in protein and RNA syntheses in the spleen from the fourth post-irradiation hour. These changes correspond well with impaired ability of nuclei to polymerise RNA, reduction in template efficiency of chromatin, decrease in the activity of RNA polymerase and inhibition in histone phosphorylation. Protection of the spleen by lead shielding during whole-body exposure to X-rays largely eliminated the observed alterations in protein and nucleic acid synthetic machineries. This suggests that the radiation-induced inhibition in protein and RNA syntheses is mainly due to the direct action of radiation on the spleen itself.
D000818:Animals; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012313:RNA / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D051381:Rats; D013154:Spleen / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013997:Time Factors
D012313:RNA; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases