Protective Effect of S, -Aminoethylisothiuronium* Br* HBr and Related Compounds Against X-Radiation Death in Mice.

Abstract

Conclusions(a) Replacement of the sulfhydryl group of β-mercaptoethylamine with the isothiuronium group yields a compound (AET) with increased protective activity and greater chemical stability, (b) A free amino group beta or gamma to the sulfhydryl or isothiuronium group is necessary for protective activity, (c) In the aminoisothiuronium series, the carbon chain can be lengthened by one carbon atom without the loss of protective activity, (d) S,β-aminoethylisothiuronium• Br• HBr provides effective protection against radiation injury at dose levels considerably less than the dose required to produce acute toxic effects.