Rna Metabolism, Dna Damage and Cellular Resistance to X-Rays:Investigations in Chick Embryo and Rat Cells

Abstract

Three hours after X-irradiation in vivo with 8 Gy the in vitro incorporation of [3H]uridine into total RNA of liver(L)- and brain(B)-cells of the chick embryo was reduced to 77% and 90%, respectively; the m RNA fraction was strongest inhibited. Under the same conditions, protein synthesis of L-cells declined to 62%, while protein synthesis of B-cells was not influenced.RNA and protein metabolism was not altered following X-irradiation in vitro (1.7 5 -5 6 Gy). - Compared to thymic- and splenic cells of the rat, chicken embryo cells exhibited higher constitutive poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose)polymerase activity and lower X-irradiation-induced DNA damage. - Whereas the slight inhibition of RNA and protein synthesis by X-irradiation in ovo may be an abscopal and/or secondary phenomenon reflecting DNA and/or cellular damage, the present investigations comprising various cell types argue for an efficient DNA repair in chicken embryo cells caused, at least partly, by a high constitutive activity of DNA repair proteins. © 1992, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.