Neutrons affect ADP-ribosylation of proteins in human kidney T1-cells in vitro.

ADP-ribosylation (ADPR) of proteins has been shown to be involved with a variety of cellular responses in which chromatin organization and functions are affected. In order to look into this response, human kidney T1-cells were exposed in vitro to various doses up to 3 Gy of 6 MeV neutrons and compared with the effect caused by gamma photons. Whereas in case of neutrons the maximal inhibition of ADPR was reversed at 0.37 Gy, that in case of gamma-rays occurred at 1.5 Gy. For the reversal of inhibition of ADPR of proteins in T1-cells, neutrons were about 4-fold more efficient as compared to gamma rays.