Chemical Protection against Ionizing Radiation: II. Mercaptoalkylamines and Related Compounds with Protective Activity

Abstract
The sequential method of testing was used to evaluate 30 compounds given mice prior to a lethal dose of X-radiation. 2-Mercaptoethylamine, its disulfide and 3-mercaptopropylamine were the most effective compounds in this class. Increasing the C chain to 4 or substitutions on the N or S atoms greatly decreased the protective activity. An hypothesis to explain this activity in terms of the required chemical structure is advanced.