[Quantitative evaluation of the protective action of skin protectors]

The purpose of research was to study and give a comparative evaluation of cystamine, mexamine, ionol, dimethyl--sulfoxide, eugenic acid, castor oil and cholesterol as skin local radioprotectors. Experiments were made on random-bred albino rats. Skin areas 25 mm2 in size on each paw were irradiated. The exposure dose rate was 5 X 10(-3) A/kg (1160 p/min.), the surface dose 6.5 X 10(-1) and 7.7 X 10(-1) Q/kg (2500 and 3000 P respectively). The time period (in days) of weak and severe erythema, dry and moist desquamations was assessed. The most sensitive "critical" components of radiation response which are open to modification with the help of radioprotectors--severe erythema and moist desquamation were revealed. Mexamine, cystamine and ionol produce the most marked effect. The value of their protective effect is 48.3; 40.1 and 32.3 units respectively. Skin radioprotectors possessing not less than 50% efficacy can be introduced into practice. A search for new radioprotectors should be aimed at the investigation of agents with the efficacy of a reduction of radiation injuries by 70% and more.