Influence of temperature on the activity of ciliated cells during exposure to ionizing radiation

The influence of temperature on the early effects ionizing irradiation has been analysed using the trachea of the rabbit. ATP is assumed to be released by the effect of irradiation on the mitochondrial membranes, which increases the mucociliary activity in the epithelium, registered second-by-second during irradiation performed at 20 degrees C, 30 degrees C, 37 degrees C and 40 degrees C. The early effects of irradiation depended on the temperature, while hyperthermia does not potentiate this condition. A possible explanation is that phosphofructokinase, which is probably stimulated by irradiation, is inactivated at lower temperatures.