Biophysical aspects of radioprotection by aminothiols

Sulphydryl compounds have been shown to be the most effective to reduce radiation injury. At molecular level these radioprotectors have an action on nuclear DNA and repair breaks induced in desoxyribose-phosphate chains by ionizing radiations. These molecules penetrate cellular membranes, so they can be utilized in chemotherapy. To determine the mechanism of radioprotection the author studied the in vitro physical properties of different aminothiols and their action on biological material. Interaction with DNA of lipids was investigated. Experimental and theoretical results are presented and discussed.<>