Radiation-induced lipid peroxidation and membrane permeability in liposomes.

Effects of 60Co-gamma-ray on liposomal membranes were studied in terms of the correlation between lipid peroxidation and glucose efflux. Malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in glucose-retaining liposomes after gamma-irradiation was highly correlated with the increase in glucose efflux. The MDA formation, however, occurred only during irradiation in contrast to the glucose efflux which continued after irradiation. Both processes showed a dose threshold and a dependence on dose rate. A one-to-one relationship between glucose efflux and MDA formation was observed with radical scavengers. These results are discussed as a series of processes in membrane damage by ionizing radiation.