The Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Lipid Metabolism in Lymphoid Cells

Summary

Lipid metabolism was studied in lymphoid tissues of rats after whole body irradiation with doses producing damage of different degrees to lymphoid cells (4–10 Gy). The content of free cholesterol, cholesterol esters, and total phospholipids was determined in peripheral blood lymphocytes and thymocytes 1–2 h after exposure. Simultaneously, the rate of in vitro incorporation of 2¹⁴C-acetate into total lipids, phospholipids, and cholesterol of lymphoid cells was estimated. It was shown that exposure of rats to ionizing radiation caused activation of lipogenesis. Cholesterol synthesis was activated after a dose of 4 Gy and decreased with increasing dose.

• thymocytes
• lymphocytes
• lipid synthesis