Protective effects of vitamins C and E against gamma-ray-induced chromosomal damage in mouse.
The effects of vitamins C and E on bone marrow chromosomes of the mouse exposed to 1 Gy of whole-body gamma-irradiation were studied. These vitamins, dissolved in water/peanut oil, were administered orally as acute doses, either 2 h before, immediately after, or 2 h after irradiation. Both vitamins significantly reduced the frequencies of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells; radioprotection by vitamin E was, however, appreciably greater than that afforded by vitamin C. Administration of the vitamins to mice immediately after irradiation was as effective as that 2 h before irradiation. A sequential treatment consisting of both these vitamins did not result in additional radioprotection over that afforded by vitamin E alone. The probable mechanisms of radioprotection are discussed.
Sarma
L
L
School of Life Sciences, Jawaharial Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
Kesavan
P C
PC
D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes; D005720:Gamma Rays; D051379:Mice; D048629:Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014916:Whole-Body Irradiation
D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D014810:Vitamin E; D001205:Ascorbic Acid