The effect of superoxide dismutase on the radiosensitivity of bacterial spores at various oxygen concentrations.

Superoxide dismutases are considered to be essential protective agent against radiation injury. Experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of extracellularly added SOD on the radiosensitivity of Bacillus megaterium spores. 120 micrograms/ml SOD had no effect on the radiosensitivity of Bacillus megaterium spores at different oxygen concentrations. Relative enzyme activity obtained at various oxygen concentrations indicating the lack of oxygen effect in the radiation-induced inactivation of SOD.