Pharmacologic effects of radiation protective compounds related to their protective effect in mice.

Effects of presumptive radiation protective substances on physiologic criteria such as oxygen consumption, rectal temperature, respiratory and acoustic response are described. The rate of oxygen consumption and rectal temperature cannot entirely be considered a reliable measure of radiation protection. Some substances cause a decrease in the investigated parameters, strong enough to incapacitate the treated individuals severely. This limits the use of such substances. It is suggested that not only the effect on the survival but also the metabolic effects on the organism caused by the substance have to be investigated.