Abstract
A CONSIDERABLE number of compounds is now known to be capable of protecting animals against X-rays and other radiations. Among the most effective of these are sodium cyanide and sodium azide1, and thiourea2; alcohols3 and amines4 are active at higher concentrations. X-rays degrade polymethacrylic acid in aerated aqueous solutions, and the extent of the reaction could readily be followed by changes in viscosity with a high molecular weight sample of the polymer5. Table 1 shows that the degradation is reduced in the presence of substances which are protective agents in biological experiments. Since the compounds were placed in the same order of effectiveness in both tests, it is suggested that similar chemical reactions are involved. Allyl thiourea, which does not appear to have been examined biologically, was found in our work to be a highly effective protective agent.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bacq, Z. M., Experientia, 7, 11 (1951).
Mole, R. H., Nature, 166, 515 (1950).
Patterson, Edith J., and Matthews, Joyce J., Nature, 168, 1127 (1951).
Bacq, Z. M., and Herve, A., Nature, 168, 1126 (1951).
Alexander, P., and Fox, M., Nature, 169, 572 (1952).
Evans, T., Radiology, 32, 201 (1942).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
ALEXANDER, P., FOX, M. Mode of Action of Agents giving Protection from Radiation. Nature 170, 1022–1023 (1952). https://doi.org/10.1038/1701022b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1701022b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.