Protective Effect of Pitressin and Epinephrine Against Total Body X-Irradiation

Abstract

The possible effects of pitressin and of epinephrine on the aerobic and anerobic metabolic cycles, and the effect of these agents on the survival rate of rats after total body X-irradiation have been investigated. Changes in inorganic and "labile phosphate" (ATP) and cytochrome oxidase activity are presented and discussed. The protective effect of pretreatment with pitressin or epinephrine against total body X-irradiation was demonstrated. It was assumed that the protective mechanism involved a temporary tissue anoxia produced by these principles.