THE EFFECT OF ROENTGEN-RAY ON THE BLOOD CODEHYDROGENASES I AND II

Abstract

Using the method of Vilter, Vilter, and Spies, detns. of the blood codehydrogenases I and II were made before and after roentgen-ray radiation in 8 subjects. In all cases not treated with nicotinic acid, the conc. of codehydrogenases I and II decreased 60 to 90% within 12 hrs. after radiation and returned to their former levels within 24 hrs. Following the adm. of nicotinic acid, the codehydro-genases I and II conc. fell slowly after irradiation to 50% of the original values. Roentgen sickness probably depends upon changes in the oxidation and reduction enzyme systems.