Radiobiological effect of heparin in Swiss mice, human amnion cells and E. coli B/r irradiated with Co60 gamma-rays.

The radiobiological action of Heparin was investigated using the test systems E. Coli B/r, Human Amnion (HA) cells and Swiss mice. The Heparin treatment of these systems effected following changes in their response towards irradiation with Co60 gamma-rays: (a) more sensitization of E. coli B/r in hypoxic than in oxic condition, (b) no significant modification for HA cells in oxic condition but their sensitization under hypoxia, (c) larger recovery of anodic electrophoretic mobility of irradiated HA cells, (d) increased life span and smaller reduction in the splenic and thymus weights of irradiated Swiss mice. It seems, therefore, that Heparin, a natural molecule of animal world, possesses the potentiality to modify radiation response of living systems and may find useful application in radiation therapy.