Radiation Effects on Aqueous Solutions of S-(2-Aminoethyl)thiuronium Salts

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Abstract
Aqueous solutions of the protective compound AET, buffered to favor the formation of the active MEG form, showed marked sensitivity to ionizing radiation as measured by a reduction in concentration of -SH groups. Two methods of determining the concentration of -SH groups were used, with comparable results. The destruction of -SH groups of MEG is directly dependent on radiation dose. The G values vary from 3.2 at 10-5 M to 17.1 at 5 X 10-3 M AET. The high yield suggests that a chain-type reaction may account for the radiation sensitivity. In deoxygenated samples the radiation effect was significantly decreased. It is suggested that the protective activity of AET involves not only the sensitivity to radiation of the free -SH group but also the capacity of the compound to couple with sensitive biologic molecules and shield them from radiation damage.