Role of free radicals in the initiation and promotion of radiation transformation in vitro.

We have studied the effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, Cu(II) (3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)2 (CuDIPS) and other copper compounds on radiation transformation in vitro using C3H 10T1/2 cells. When present only during irradiation, high concentrations of SOD in the medium enhanced transformation, while catalase, inactivated SOD (autoclaved), CuDIPS, cupric chloride and cuprous chloride inhibited the initiation phase of radiation transformation. SOD, catalase and CuDIPS did not affect the expression phase of radiation transformation. Suppression of the TPA enhancement of transformation by catalase was a highly significant effect, while the suppression by SOD was not of statistical significance. Our results suggest that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) may be important in the cellular damage leading to malignant transformation.