Ionizing radiation and hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative DNA base damage in two L5178Y cell lines

Seven oxidized DNA bases were quantified, by gas GC/MS-SIM, in chromatin from gamma-rays and H2O2 treated mouse lymphoma L5178Y (LY) cells, inversely cross-sensitive to these agents. In H2O2 treated cells (2 mM, 1 h, 37 degrees C) we found more damage in LY-R cells than in LY-S cells. On the contrary, in gamma-rays (400 Gy) treated cells we found more damaged DNA bases in LY-S cells. The yield of damaged bases in control cells was similar in both cell lines, with the exception of 8OHAde and FapyGua that were found at a much higher level in LY-S cells. The yields of damaged bases were related to cellular sensitivity to damaging agent; this observation points to a relationship between DNA base damage induction, antioxidant defense system in the intracellular milieu and cell sensitivity.