THE UNCOUPLING OF OXIDATIVE PHOSPHORYLATION BY IONIZING RADIATION

Abstract

Whole body irradiation of rabbits or rats with X-rays or Co60γ-rays causes uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in thymus mitochondria, which is not prevented by the prior administration of AET. Whole body irradiation was not found to affect oxidative phosphorylation in liver or mouse ascites cell mitochondria. The radiation lesion can be repaired in vitro by the addition of cytochrome c, bovine serum albumin, or vitamin K1to mitochondria. Vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 were without effect. Both phosphorylating steps in the electron transport chain associated with succinate oxidation are affected by irradiation. The diphosphopyridine nucleotide dependent steps in the oxidation of α-ketoglutarate by thymus mitochondria are damaged by in vivo irradiation. Diphosphopyridine nucleotide levels of thymus and spleen but not liver or ascites cells are reduced by in vivo irradiation. No effect of in vitro irradiation on oxidative phosphorylation could be found for thymocyte cell suspensions, isolated thymus or liver mitochondria, or ascites or HeLa cell suspensions. Respiration of ascites or thymocyte cells was unaffected by in vitro irradiation.