Radio-sensitization with Iodine Compounds

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Abstract
Experiments were carried out on the sensitization of strains of Escherichia coli K12 to gamma-radiation by iodoacetic acid (ICH2 · COOH), potassium iodide (KI) or potassium iodate (KIO3). Gamma-irradiation of these chemicals in solution around pH 5 produced long-lived heat-labile toxic products by which bacteria were efficiently inactivated at 0°c. Mutant strains resistant to irradiated iodoacetic acid in acid solution were isolated from an F− strain, PA309. They were also resistant to radiation-induced toxic products from potassium iodide or potassium iodate, but not to unirradiated iodoacetic acid or iodine dissolved in potassium iodide solution. All three mutant strains resistant to irradiated iodine compounds were also resistant to radio-sensitization with these compounds. It is concluded that the cellular sites responsible for radiosensitization were similar in all experiments with iodine sensitizers and/or that similar radiochemical products were involved in the radiosensitization with these iodine compounds.