Radioprotection of mouse skin by WR-2721: the critical influence of oxygen tension.

The epidermal clone assay has been used to study the radioprotective effect of WR-2721 on mouse skin under different conditions of oxygenation and under anoxia. The skin has shown a progressive decrease in sensitivity as the inspired gas was changed from 100% oxygen towards 0% oxygen. Compared with mice breathing 100% oxygen, those breathing air are partially protected. The inspired oxygen concentration to given half the full oxygen effect is 10--12%. The radioprotection observed with 400 mg/kg WR-2721 is markedly dependent on the ambient oxygen concentration. The protection factor is 1.1 or less in mice breathing 5%, 1% of 0% oxygen. Protection is maximal (1.95) in air and in 50% oxygen and diminishes to 1.6 at higher oxygen tensions.