Effects of tritiated water ingestion on mice: III. Hexokinase isozymes in brain, liver and spleen up to five generations.

TLDR: The evidence indicates that direct effects of beta-irradiation can cause conformational changes in enzyme molecules, however, damage to DNA and membranes as being causal factors for variations in the enzyme levels cannot be ruled out.

Abstract: SummaryThe radiobiological consequences of chronic exposure to 3H at a dose level of 37 kBq/ml or 1 μCi/ml is reported. An inbred strain of Swiss albino mice was exposed up to 5 generations. Metabolic disorders were recorded by monitoring quantitative and qualitative changes in hexokinase and its isozymes from brain, liver and spleen from both sexes. The delivered dose ranged from approximately 41 mGy to 98 mGy. Nonetheless, the changes in enzyme activities as well as electrophoretic mobilities were significant. Deviations from normal levels were recorded in both sexes. The evidence indicates that direct effects of β-irradiation can cause conformational changes in enzyme molecules. However, damage to DNA and to membranes as being causal factors for variations in the enzyme levels cannot be ruled out. These disorders culminated in a gradual reduction in litter size. The implications of exposure to this dose of tritiated water is discussed in the light of NCRP recommendations and relevant literature.