title: Modification of radiation sensitivity by salts of the metals beryllium and indium and the rare earths cerium, lanthanum and scandium.
abstract: The LD50 of 46 salts of metals and rare earths (lanthanoids) was determined in mice. Half the LD50 of the compounds was then combined with lethal radiation (10.5 Gy) and the modification of survival time was scored. Only the metals beryllium and indium and the rare earths cerium, lanthanum and scandium displayed activity in our assay. They were then tested at a wider range of lower doses and reduced survival time in a dose-dependent fashion. This appears to be compatible with enhancement of radiation sensitivity. The interaction of these metals and rare earths with radiation adds a new facet to their toxicological spectrum and, by enhancing radiation effects, may influence estimates of risk. On the other hand, the radiosensitizing properties of the metals may be useful for further development of compounds to be used as adjuncts in specific situations of cancer radiotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Research, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Floersheim
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001608:Beryllium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002563:Cerium / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D007204:Indium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007811:Lanthanum / Q000494:pharmacology; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D008674:Metals, Rare Earth / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D011836:Radiation Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects*; D012492:Salts; D012538:Scandium / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D008674:Metals, Rare Earth; D012492:Salts; D007204:Indium; D002563:Cerium; D007811:Lanthanum; D001608:Beryllium; D012538:Scandium