[Radioprotective properties of carnosine]

In experiments with rats and mice there was shown the ability of carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) to depress accumulation of lipoperoxidative products in blood serum and to increase the yield of spleen endocolonies in irradiated animals. There were investigated duration of the protective action and compared effects of single and prolonged administration of carnosine. Carnozine restores the postradiative decrease in the cytochrome P-450 content in rat liver microsomes. Besides, the ability of carnosine to prevent the postradiative decline in the activity of UDP-glucoronyltransferase. Some possible mechanisms of its radioprotective action are discussed.