Effects of ionizing radiations on enzyme activities of yeast cells; influence of dilution on X-ray induced inhibition of anaerobic CO2 production and colony formation

Role of electrolytes and starvation in altering apparent radiosensitivity of baker's yeast

1. Respiration and fermentation of yeast receiving 90,000 r of 250 kv. x-rays were studied under a variety of conditions. This dose will nearly completely inhibit growth or colony formation. 2. The apparent effects of irradiation are quite dependent on the K⁺ and H⁺ of the suspending medium. At pH 4.5 stimulatory effects were observed in KH₂PO₂ buffer and inhibition in potassium-free (T-S-T) buffer. At pH 6.5 the situation was reversed and the effects were very small (about 10 per cent). Addition of K⁺ to irradiated yeast in T-S-T buffer at pH 4.5 can completely reverse the inhibition seen. 3. Starving increases the apparent radiosensitivity of respiration and fermentation, probably by depletion of metabolite and/or electrolyte reserves. 4. Treatment with a cation exchange resin (dowex 50) results in marked inhibition of these processes in irradiated yeast, either fresh or starved. This was most effective if given after irradiation. Almost complete inhibition of anaerobic CO₂ production occurs with starvation, irradiation, and dowex treatment combined. 5. The effects of starvation and cation exchange resin treatment can be reversed, though not completely, by adding K⁺ to the medium.

THE EFFECT OF X-RADIATION ON THE GLUTATHIONE METABOLISM OF INTACT ERYTHROCYTES IN VITRO

The x-irradiation of intact washed erythrocytes results in an inhibition of the glyoxalase activity of the cells chiefly as a result of a decrease in the reduced glutathione level. The percentage inhibition is markedly increased by an increase in the dilution of the cells in physiological saline suggesting that the effect of radiation is indirect, via the production in the aqueous medium of free radicals, H(2)O(2), etc. This is supported by the decrease in the inhibition produced by lowering the oxygen tension or by the addition of catalase. The inhibition of glyoxalase activity is also decreased by the addition of methylglyoxal, plasma, adenosine, inosine, glucose, and a number of other sugars to the erythrocyte suspension prior to radiation. Furthermore, some reactivation of the glyoxalase system results from the addition of plasma, glucose, adenosine, and inosine following radiation. These results are discussed in relation to the role of SH compounds, particularly glutathione, in the toxicity of ionizing radiations.