Abstract of nucleic acid content in intestines of rats after X-radiation: J. O. Ely and M. H. Ross (Cancer Research, 8: 285, 1948)
- Publisher
- Elsevier Science
- Year
- 1949
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 61 KB
- Volume
- 247
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0016-0032
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✦ Synopsis
The chemical changes which are produced in tissues by X-radiation, and which later result in morphological changes and clinical effects, are not well understood. Since nucleic acids apparently are fundamental constituents of all cells, changes in the cell content of these compounds offer a meansof studying the effects of X-radiation.
This work is a continuation of studies of radiation effects previously reported.1 The destructive action of X-radiation on cancer cells may result from changes produced in nucleic acids. If the mechanism of this action were explained it might be possible to produce similar results affecting only the cancer cells.
The high absorptive capacity of nucleic acids for ultraviolet light of 2,500 A to 2,800 A, with a maximum absorption at 2,600 ~, makes possible the determination of the location and amounts of these compounds in histological sections of tissues. The quartz optical system microscope,often called the ultravioletmicroscope, in combination with a source of monochromatic light, is a useful instrument for studying the absorptive capacity of tissues for ultraviolet light. This instrument has been used in the present investigations to determine the effect of X-radiation on the amountof nucleicacidsin tissues of the rat intestine. Use was made of the Feulgen reaction, ribonucleinase, methyl greenpyronin stain, and extraction of nucleic acids by hot trichloracetic acid to supplement the ultraviolet light absorption technic. The technic of micro-incineration was employed to study the effect of X-radiation on the amount of mineral constituents.
It was found that a comparatively small dose (600 r) of whole-body X-radiation produced decreased amounts of nucleic acids, mineral constituents, and structural proteins in the crypts of Lieberkfihn in the intestines of rats.
i BIOCHEMICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION STAFF, "Neutron Effects on Animals," Baltimore, Williams and Wilkins Company (1947).