[A modification in the radiation reaction of normal and tumor tissues in mice induced by N-methylformamide]

The effect of potential differentiation-inducing agent N-methylformamide on radiation response of murine normal and tumor cells (Lewis lung carcinoma, hematopoietic tissue and jejunum epithelial stem cells) was studied. The agent reduced or not altered radiation damage of tumor and epithelial cells in mice receiving NMF before irradiation. Sensitization to radiation was observed in endogenous spleen colony forming hemopoietic stem cells. When the agent was injected 15 min before irradiation the sensitizing effect was less pronounced. The highest effect was observed when agent was injected 24 h after irradiation of animals.