Influence of Temperature on the Radiation Response of Mammalian Cells in Tissue Culture

Abstract

Mammalian cells in tissue culture were irradiated at 5[degree]C, 37[degree]C, or 40[degree]C. Cells irradiated at 5[degree]C demonstrate radioresistance compared to cells irradiated at 40[degree]C by a factor of 1.59. It is suggested that low temperature results in "protection" rather than enhances "recovery." The nature of this protection is not known but it is thought to be associated closely with slowed rate processes and recombination of molecules in the metionic state before deleterious reactions can take place.