The Role of Mitochondria in the Development of Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress in K562 Leukemia Cells

Abstract

Radiation-induced accumulation of active oxygen species and the role of the mitochondria in this process were studied on cultured K562 leukemia cells. Intracellular concentrations of active oxygen species in the presence of rotenone and without it and the mitochondrial potential were analyzed 15, 30 min, 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h after X-ray exposure in doses of 4 and 12 Gy. Radiation-induced generation of active oxygen species had two time peaks: 30 min and 24 h after the exposure. Addition of rotenone reduced the levels of active oxygen species 24 and 48 h after the exposure. Increase of active oxygen species concentrations was paralleled by an increase of the mitochondrial potential. The mitochondria were responsible for the increase in the concentrations of active oxygen species 12-48 h after irradiation.