[Effect of ionizing radiation on the superoxide dismutase content and turnover in the rat liver]

A study was made of the effect of ionizing radiation on the activity, concentration, biosynthesis, transport and disintegration of cytosol and mitochondrial forms of superoxide dismutase in rat hepatocytes. It was shown that after total-body X-irradiation there was a tendency toward a decrease in the activity of the enzyme while its concentration in the mitochondrial fraction increased. Stimulation of the processes of biosynthesis, transport and disintegration of superoxide dismutase in both fractions was also detected. The data obtained are discussed with regard to the development of radiation sickness.