Effect of gamma radiation on the protein metabolism

Abstract

Following our works about the effect of the gamma radiation on living organisms, we studied its action on the blood proteins, albumins, globulins, fibrinogen, haemo­ globin, urea and free aminoacids from various organs related with the blood composi­ tion (liver, spleen, kidney, lung, heart) were determined. Changes were observed in the blood protein concentrations; but do not think the drops were produced directly by the radiation: albumins, fibrinogen, haemoglobin, decreased after the inoculation of 500 /xc/kg of 65-ZnCl, while the globulins increased; the less haemoglobin concen­tration appeared immediately after the inoculation, with a maximum of 65-Zn in the organs; but the fibrinogen and the albumins decreased slowly, with a minimum at 25 days. In this period, the 65-Zn concentration in the organs is very small. The free proteinogenic aminoacids did not alter by the radiation. Delta aminolevulinic was the only aminoacid that increased. It is a haemoglobin precursor, and it is possible a Hb decrease-S-ALA increase realtionship. An increment of urea in blood was observed, but this increment coincided with a deficient elimination by urine. Because this, we do not think the urea elevation is produced by a major catabolism of proteins.