Studies of the mechanisms of radiosensitization of bacterial and mammalian cells by Diamide.

Diamide sensitizes bacterial and mammalian cells to radiation by at least two mechanisms. Sensitization of V79-GL1 Chinese Hamster cells is due mainly to a reduction of a reduction of the survival-curve shoulder, is observed both in oxygen and in hypoxia,and is additive to the sensitization of hypoxic cells by some nitroimidazoles. In contrast, sensitization of the radioresistant organism, Micrococcus sodonensis, which has apronounced shoulder, is entirely dose-modifying. In a rapid-mix study using Serratia marcescens, two mechanisms of sensitization have been identified. After 4 to 40 msec preirradiation contact with Daimide, the enhancement ratio is constant at 1.6; after 10min contact, it is 2.5. With V79-GL1 cells, no sensitization occurs in the short-time-range; likewise non is seen when Diamide is added to bacteria or mammalian cells 4 msec after irradiation. It is concluded that Diamide sensitizes by at least two mechanisms, one of which resembles that of the electron-affinic type.