Metronidazole (‘Flagyl’): Mechanisms of Radiosensitization

Abstract

Radiation biochemical and bacterial studies have been undertaken to investigate possible mechanisms of radiosensitization by metronidazole. It is concluded that the nitro-group plays a major role in its action and that at least four mechanisms may be operative under hypoxic conditions. (i) enzyme-catalysed depletion of nucleophiles, (ii) fixation of organic radicals, (iii) interference with recombination reactions, (iv) formation of toxic products.