The radiosensitizing effect of AK-2123, a 3-nitrotriazole, and of misonidazole, a 2-nitroimidazole, was studied on hypoxically irradiated Chinese hamster cells (V79-379A) with DNA damage as end-point. The damage was estimated with the alkaline unwinding assay and the DNA precipitation technique, carried out in parallel or in separate experimental series. The sensitizers were used in different concentrations together with standard radiation doses of 30, 60 and 90 Gy. Sensitizer-untreated cell cultures served as controls. The data indicated a radiation dose-dependent sensitization when the effect of AK-2123 was tested with the two assays, the lower radiation dose being associated with larger sensitization. In contrast, sensitization was found to be dose-independent when the effect of misonidazole was tested.

Related Articles