Free radical oxidation in rats in the delayed period after combined exposure to dust and radiation.

We studied the intensity of free radical processes in organs (liver, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes of the small intestine, and adrenal glands) and cells (lymphocytes) in the delayed period after combined exposure to a sublethal dose of γ-radiation (6 Gy) and asbestos dust particles. Combined exposure was followed by accumulation of LPO metabolites (diene conjugates and malonic dialdehyde) in homogenates of the studied organs and resulted in antioxidant defense failure in experimental animals. Ionizing radiation have a pivotal role in these processes.