[Activation of arachidonic acid metabolism--a protective reaction of the body during irradiation and combined radiation-thermal damage].

Metabolic activity of arachidonic acid cascade enzymes in rabbit polymorphonuclear leucocytes sharply rises during the first day of irradiation, decreases at the highest mortality period, and is restored at later times. The inhibitors of the activity of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase and the release of arachidonic acid have been shown to increase the mortality rate and to decrease the average lifetime of rats exposed to ionizing radiation and a mixture of radiation and heat.