Studies with Cysteinamine and Cysteine in X-irradiated Animals

Abstract

1. The observation of a post-irradiation effect of cysteinamine in rats with the liver area shielded has not been verified. 2. Cysteinamine is about 5 times as effective as cysteine when given to mice intravenously in equimolar amounts prior to x irradiation. However, maximally tolerated doses of each give equivalent protection. 3. Cysteinamine and cysteine appear to be additive in their protective effect against acute radiation lethality. This is suggestive of a similar mechanism of action.