title: Peroxy free radicals, enzymes and radiation damage: sensitisation by oxygen and protection by superoxide dismutase and antioxidants.
abstract: In vitro studies have shown that in the presence of the DNA base thymine, the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase can be extensively damaged by exposure to only 1 gray of cobalt-60 gamma radiation. When irradiated solutions are purged with oxygen-free nitrogen or contain the enzyme superoxide dismutase or various antioxidants, the extent of inactivation of the dehydrogenase is considerably reduced. Peroxy free radicals are considered to be responsible for the inactivation and cysteine and methionine residues are considered the most likely sites of initial damage. The results presented, with those obtained with ADP and urate instead of thymine and with various amino acids and foreign compounds, are discussed in the light of previous statements concerning the relevance of enzyme damage in radiobiology and the role of oxygen free radicals in tissue injury generally.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Gee
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Kittridge
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Willson
mesh_terms: D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase; D000429:Alcohol Oxidoreductases / Q000528:radiation effects*; D000975:Antioxidants; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005609:Free Radicals; D005720:Gamma Rays; D010100:Oxygen; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes; D005609:Free Radicals; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D000429:Alcohol Oxidoreductases; D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D010100:Oxygen