Effect of buthionine sulphoximine, cysteine and dithitreitol in cells exposed to low doses of radiation

The goal of this study is to determine whether cysteimine, buthionine sulphoximide and dithitreitol protect CHO K1 cells against chromosomal aberrations induced by low doses of X–radiation, as well as whether radiation protection is related to physical properties of those thiols. Experimental design included four different treatments: (a) control, (b) cells treated with 5 mM of buthionine sulphoximide as well as cysteine and dithitreitol, (c) cells treated with 100 mGy of X–rays and (d) cells treated with 5 mM of each thiol and 100 mGy X–rays. In combined treatment, all chemical compounds were added 30 min before irradiation and remained until cell sacrifice (18 h). None of the three compounds studied showed a radioprotector effect. These results are consistent with the electrical charges and chemical structure of the three thiols.