[Effect of beta-carotene on 60Co-gamma-induced mutation at T-lymphocyte hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase locus in rats].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of beta-carotene (beta-Car) on radiation-induced mutation.


METHODS
Mutant frequency at T-lymphocyte hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) locus in rats was measured using a T-lymphocyte cloning technique and malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured using a thiobarbituric acid (TBA).


RESULTS
Mutant frequency at the HGPRT locus was elevated by 60Co-gamma 3.75 Gy, and was reduced by ig beta-car 20 and 10 mg.kg-1 (P < 0.05), but not by beta-Car 5 mg.kg-1. It showed a dose-dependent relationship. MDA was signifcantly reduced in plasma of rats given beta-Car after 60 Co-gamma radiation. There was positive coherence between MDA and mutant frequency at the HGPRT locus (r = 0.9978, P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Radiation-induced mutation is inhibited by beta-Car, associated with antioxidant action of beta-Car.
D000818:Animals; D016587:Antimutagenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes; D005260:Female; D007041:Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase / Q000235:genetics*; D009154:Mutation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000494:pharmacology*