The effect of lactate on the radiation response of CHO-K1 cells in culture.

The radiobiological effect of lactate is described. Prolonged incubation of CHO-K1 cells over a wide range of lactate concentrations sensitized them to subsequent irradiation. Survival curves indicated that the size of the shoulder was reduced. Short treatment times resulted in a radioprotective effect and an increase in the survival curve slope. Lactate levels used were within physiological limits and are therefore discussed in relation to their possible implications in radiobiology and radiotherapy.