Effect of gamma-irradiated carbohydrates on isolated synaptic membranes.

The effect of gamma-irradiated solutions of carbohydrates, mainly glucose, upon Na+, K(+)-ATPase and lipid peroxidation in rat brain synaptosomal membranes was studied. The membrane damage by irradiated glucose was enhanced in the presence of Fe2+ and was diminished when a free-radical scavenger (BHT) or metal chelators (EDTA, EGTA) were present. It is suggested that a key element in the free-radical membrane damage by irradiated carbohydrates is an Fe(2+)-complex of some species of the radiolysis products. Participation of radiotoxins of carbohydrate origin in radiobiological effects is discussed.