Effects of ionizing radiations on oxygen uptake by rat liver slices, mitochondria, and mitochondrial membranes

Abstract

It has been shown that irradiation causes a decrease in oxygen consumption of rat liver slices. Electron microscopy of the irradiated tissue reveals marked swelling of mitochondria accompanied by a decrease of the density of the matrix, as well as by vesiculation of the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. In jejunum irradiation causes a shortening of the microvilli and a reinforcement of the microfilaments of the terminal web. It was also found that in suspensions of mitochondria from irradiated rat liver slices, irradiated mitochondria and irradiated inner mitochondrial membranes there was a faster onset of swelling and lysis provoked by ascorbate. It has been also shown that irradiation of inner mitochondrial membranes causes the formation of lipid peroxides.