Radioprotection of peripheral blood cells with a combination of hydroxytryptophan and a thiol compound in mice.

Radiation induced changes in peripheral blood cells were studied in male Swiss albino mice after 4 Gy and 10 Gy whole body gamma irradiation with and without pretreatment with 2-amino-ethylisothiuronium bromide hydrobromide (AET) or with a combination of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP) and AET. Combination of 5-HTP with AET or AET alone in a high dose achieved excellent protection against both 4 Gy and 10 Gy whole body irradiation as regards peripheral blood cell counts.