Age-related difference in radioprotective effect of D-penicillamine.
D-Penicillamine, previously suspected to have a beneficial effect on the occurrence of severe retrolental fibroplasia among very low birth weight infants, was tested to determine the extent to which this drug modifies acute radiosensitivity on 3- to 4-day-old mice in comparison with adult animals. It was found that the radioprotective effect of penicillamine, given in doses of 3,000 mg/kg i.p. 60 min before whole-body exposure to 6-10 Gy of 60Co gamma rays, was greater in 3- to 4-day-old mice than in adult animals. These data seem to be compatible with the view that D-penicillamine, by virtue of its antioxidant action, may reduce the toxic effects associated with exposure of the newborn infant to hyperoxia, specifically retrolental fibroplasia and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000502:physiology; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D013997:Time Factors
D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D010396:Penicillamine