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Studies on Latent Derivatives of Aminoethanethiols as Potentially Selective Cytoprotectants

III. Reactions of Cysteamine-S-sulfate in Biologic Media¹

Collaborative Research, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts

The reactions of tissue homogenates with cysteamine-S-sulfate (H₂NCH₂CH₂SSO₃H), a radiation protector, have been studied in an effort to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the protection of cells by this compound from damage by irradiation. The nature of reaction products was established with the aid of a method specific for the determination of aminoethanethiols in biologic media. When incubated with homogenates of rat tissue, cysteamine-S-sulfate reacts rapidly and nonenzymatically with protein sulfhydryl groups to form cysteamine, cystamine, protein-bound cysteamine disulfides, and sulfite ions.

The relationship of these findings to current theories accounting for radiation protection is discussed.

¹ Supported by Research Contract PH43-62-170, Cancer Chemotherapy National Service Center, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Md.

Received 5/ 3/66. Accepted 8/19/66.