Effect of low dose ionizing irradiation on rat metabolism

Thie biological effect of low dose radiation is little known. In the current study male Wistar rats were exposed monthly to a 60Co-source low dose whole body irradiation (0.25 Gy, per 18 months; total dose: 4.5 Gy). The glutathione disulphide (GSSH): total glutathione (GSH) ratio, the concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and the activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione transferase in: small intestine, spleen, kidney, soleus muscle, and liver were analysed. Low dose irradiation is accompanied by distinct peroxidative changes in organs, observed in the small intestine, the spleen and in the kidneys. The current study suggests that the measurement of glutathione status and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances can be proposed as sensitive parameters for low dose radiation induced changes.