The Effect of Whole-body X-irradiation on the Glutathione Content of Rat Thymus

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Abstract
The reduced glutathione content of rat thymus has been measured by amperometric titration. During the rapid growth of the rat (2–16 weeks) the glutathione concentration remained constant. Whole-body x-irradiation with 200 rads and 900 rads caused a significant fall in glutathione concentration apparent after 110 min. The magnitude of this fall was little affected by increased doses of x-radiation, and it is unlikely that a direct radiochemical reaction was the cause of the lowered glutathione levels. These results are discussed with relation to the known sensitivity of thymus to x-rays, and it is suggested that glutathione levels fall before histological evidence of death is forthcoming. The normal value for reduced glutathione per thymocyte was found to be 413 × 10−12 µ moles per cell.