Rhodium(III) as a Potentiator of the Effects of X-rays on Cells

Summary

A rhodium compound, Rh(NH₃)₃Cl₃, does not sensitize the spores of Bacillus megaterium to X-rays. However, it is a very effective sensitizer of vegetative cells of Staphylococcus aureus, raising the sensitivity four times in O₂ and over 100 times in anoxia. The inhibition by oxygen of the sensitizing action of Rh(III), which operates over a wide range of [O₂], is noteworthy. These experiments were performed in saline-phosphate buffer using 50kVp X-rays. The results are discussed in terms of the known radiation chemistry of this compound.

• rhodium trichlorotriammine
• spores
• radiation sensitizers
• metals as sensitizers