Electrophoretic Mobility of Erythrocytes Exposed to Accelerated Helium Nuclei or to γ-rays, as Modified by Adeturone

Summary

The electrophoretic mobility of human erythrocytes exposed in whole blood or in cell suspensions to relatively low doses (0·7–2·5 Gy) of accelerated helium nuclei (4·6 GeV/nucleon) or of γ-rays was found to diminish with increase in radiation dose, as measured at 3 h post-irradiation. Pre-treatment with a radioprotectant, adeturone (S-2-aminoethylisothiuronium adenosine-5′-triphosphate), allowed electrophoretic mobility to be maintained within normal limits, with more stable values in the case of α-irradiations. The experimental evidence is discussed in terms of the protectant's involvement in repair of radiation-induced conformational changes in surface membrane components.

• electrophoretic mobility
• erythrocytes
• radioprotection
• accelerated helium nuclei
• γ-rays