A Study of Mechanisms of Post-irradiation Changes in Adenylate-cyclase Activity

Summary

Hormone-stimulated adenylate-cyclase activity (via β-adrenergic receptors) is reduced after in vitro irradiation of plasma membranes of frog erythrocytes, at a dose (650 Gy) which does not change the number of β-adrenergic receptors but causes an oxidative degradation of membrane lipids. Peroxidation of membrane lipids without irradiation also results in a lesser stimulation of adenylate cyclase by the β-agonist. A possible mechanism of change in adenylate-cyclase functioning is discussed.

• membranes
• hormones
• peroxidation
• adenylate cyclase