Effects of low dose X-ray irradiation on purine metabolism in mouse splenocytes

This study examines the influence of low dose X-ray irradiation on purine nucleotide metabolites such as adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid, and hence generation of ATP-mediated energy in mouse splenocytes. It was found that, unlike high dose irradiation which promotes membrane damage, low dose irradiation enhances the ability to regulate the energy metabolisms as reflected by the increase in Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity and the adequate activation of the above salvage pathway. Namely, the levels of adenosine, inosine and uric acid significantly increased, while the levels of xanthine and hypoxanthine decreased significantly. Moreover, the cysteine level and superoxide dismutase activity significantly increased at a dosage of 20 cGy.