Demonstration of a Cytotoxic Agent in Gamma-irradiated Carbohydrate Solutions

Summary

Irradiated carbohydrate solutions have been found to be toxic to mammalian cells in vitro. For 1 per cent solutions of dextrose or fructose added to the growth medium the effect is maximal after a dose of ∼ 10⁵ rads. The toxic product, once formed, is heat-stable and persists after the heavy irradiation needed for sterilization for more than 6 months. Autoclaved dextrose and fructose solutions also show some cytotoxicity, but this is less pronounced in aged solutions.