Additive Effects in the Radiosensitization of B. megaterium Spores by p-Nitroacetophenone and Norpseudopelletierine-N-Oxyl

Abstract

Norpseudopelletierine-N-oxyl (NPPN) has been shown to increase the sensitivity of B. megaterium spores when irradiated in anoxic buffered suspensions. The maximum sensitization achieved by NPPN alone corresponded to a 58% increase over the simple anoxic response. This compares with a 40% increase produced by paranitroacetophenone (PNAP) and 115% increase shown by oxygen. Like PNAP, NPPN is capable of producing a small measure of sensitization by interfering with water radiolysis intermediates (indirect affects) when used at low concentrations. At high concentrations, at which NPPN exerts its maximum degree of sensitization, it is concluded that the compound operates by increasing the lethality of the direct effects of radiation on the cellular target. The use of mixtures of NPPN and PNAP produces a greater degree of sensitization than can be achieved by either alone, at least a 91% increase over the anoxic sensitivity being observed. It is concluded that these two sensitizers, chosen as representatives of...