[Superoxide dismutase--radiobiologic significance and possibilities (review)]

Modern data are considered on the importance of superoxide radical in the oxygen effect of ionizing radiation as well as the participation of superoxide dismutase in biological radioresistance. Biological role and some physico-chemical properties of the enzyme are described. Estimation of the superoxide dismutase activity might serve as a test for study of the primary effect of ionizing radiation on cells; at the same time, the enzymatic preparations could be used as radioprotective drugs.