[Effect of radiomodifiers on lipid peroxidation and the structural-functional state of irradiated mitochondria]

SH-Containing radioprotective agents, for instance, cysteine, cystamine, dithiothreitol, exert an antioxidant effect on gamma-radiation-induced lipid peroxidation in mitochondrial membranes and, concurrently, uncouple oxidation from phosphorylation. A radiosensitizer, N-ethylmaleimide, on the contrary, being a pro-oxidant of lipid peroxidation couples oxidation and phosphorylation. At the same time, changes in the lipid peroxidation system and in the energy production processes, observed after irradiation of a mitochondrion suspension containing modifiers, are accompanied by the increased destruction of mitochondrial membranes as compared to irradiated controls.