Metronidazole (‘Flagyl’): Mechanisms of Radiosensitization

Summary

Radiation biochemical and bacterial studies have been undertaken to investigate possible mechanisms of radiosensitization by metronidazole. It is concluded that the nitro-group plays a major role in its action and that at least four mechanisms may be operative under hypoxic conditions.

(i) enzyme-catalysed depletion of nucleophiles,

(ii) fixation of organic radicals,

(iii) interference with recombination reactions,

(iv) formation of toxic products.