The influence of the known radioprotective compounds on the metabolism of red blood cells. I. Effect of cysteamine on the cellular level of the intermediates and coenzymes.

Cysteamine added to the human blood samples in the final concentration of 6.5 X 10(-3)m, 1,9 X 10(-2) M and 3,8 X 10(-2) M exerts a significant effect on the metabolism of erythrocytes. The chromatographic determination of carbohydrate intermediates and coenzymes in red blood cells indicates that in lower concentration of the drug the rate of anaerobic metabolism of glucose is increased. Higher concentration of cysteamine (3.8 X 10(-3) M) enhances aerobic catabolism of glucose in pentose shunt.