Effect of AET on sodium, potassium and esterases of the alimentary tract of irradiated mice

¹ Biology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory,² Oak Ridge, Tennessee

A study was made of the effect of S,2-aminoethylisothiuronium bromide hydrobromide (AET) on the changes in sodium and potassium concentrations in the walls and contents of the gastrointestinal tracts of mice exposed to 1500 r. Mice were given AET and were then irradiated. At intervals thereafter, portions of the gastrointestinal tract and its contents were analyzed for sodium and potassium in a flame spectrophotometer. In mice given AET before exposure to 1500 r, the following radiation-induced abnormalities were completely or partially corrected: decrease in potassium and increase in sodium in the wall of the small intestine; decrease in potassium in the colon wall; and increase in sodium and potassium in the contents of the stomach, small intestine and colon. Extracts from the walls of the small intestines of AET-treated or nontreated, irradiated mice were analyzed chemically for esterase activity. In AET-treated, irradiated mice, complete recovery of esterase activity was observed by day 7 after 900 r, and partial recovery occurred after 1500 r. Since AET reduces radiation damage and thereby allows recovery, the beneficial effects of the compound on the correction of electrolyte imbalance and esterase activity are ascribed to recovery of the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract.