Long term effects of monthly low dose whole body irradiation on the glutathione status and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in different organs of male Wistar rats.

Male Wistar-H-rats were exposed monthly to a 60cobalt-source low dose whole body irradiation (0.25 Gy, total dose: 4.5 Gy). The glutathione disulphide:total glutathione ratio, the concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and the activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione transferase in eight different organs and blood were analysed. The low dose irradiation is accompanied by distinct peroxidative changes in organs. These oxidative loadings occur in the small intestine, the spleen and the kidneys. The measurements of glutathione status and of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances are proposed as sensitive parameters for low dose radiation induced changes.