[Effect of beta-mercaptoethylamine on tryptophan hydroxylase activity in rat tissues]

The ability of amine-producing tissues (liver tissue, small intestine, mast cells) of rats to synthesize 5-hydroxytryptophan in response to irradiation and their involvement in creation of endogenous radioresistance was studied. Administration of a thiol radioprotector beta-mercaptoethylamine resulted in alteration of kinetic properties of tryptophane hydroxylase expressed as a decrease in the optimal concentration of the substrate; this decrease was more distinct in liver and small intestine as compared with mast cells.