Inhibition of the adaptive response of human lymphocytes to very low doses of ionizing radiation by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide.
When human lymphocytes are preirradiated with 1 cGy of X-rays, the cells become less sensitive to subsequent exposures to high doses of about 150 cGy in that approximately one-half as many chromatid aberrations are induced as expected. This adaptation has been attributed to the induction of repair enzymes (proteins) some 4-6 h after the initial low-dose exposure. Experiments have now been carried out showing that application of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide at this time, but not earlier, prevents the adaptive response.
Youngblom
J H
JH
Laboratory of Radiobiology and Environmental Health, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Wiencke
J K
JK
Wolff
S
S
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D003513:Cycloheximide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014965:X-Rays
D003513:Cycloheximide