Alpha-methyl-homocysteine thiolactone protects trachea and lung of BALB/c mice irradiated with 6 Gy - A qualitative morphological study.

Alpha-methyl-homocysteine thiolactone (AMHCTL) was shown to increase survival of irradiated bacteria. Based upon these observations we administered 100 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally female BALB/c mice prior to whole body irradiation from a Co-source at a dose of 6 Gy. Unirradiated mice as well as irradiated and L-cysteine and saline pretreated mice served as controls. Light microscopical, scanning electron microscopical and transmission electron microscopical examinations showed a radioprotective effect: Tracheal epithelium including ciliae were preserved in the experimental group, studies on the lung revealed radiationprotection as no transudation or exsudation and no proliferation of capillaries was detected.