Oxygen Effect in Radiobiology

The oxygen effect in radiobiology is a phenomenon that consists in the fact that the effect of ionizing radiation on biological objects can vary depending on the partial pressure of oxygen in the irradiated object or in its environment.

With a reduced partial pressure of oxygen, irradiation can lead to a decrease in the biological effect of radiation. This is due to the fact that oxygen is one of the main components of biological tissues and is necessary for many biochemical reactions to occur. If it is deficient, radiation energy can be used to break the bonds between oxygen molecules and other cell components, which leads to cell death.

However, with increased oxygen partial pressure, the effect of radiation may be enhanced. This is because oxygen can be used to shield cells from radiation, creating a protective layer around them. In addition, oxygen can interact with ionizing particles and change their trajectory, which can also help reduce the biological effect.

The oxygen effect in radiobiology is important for understanding the mechanisms of action of ionizing radiation on biological tissues. It could be used to develop new methods of radiation protection, as well as to create new treatments for radiation damage.

The oxygen effect is one of the main mechanisms of radiosensitivity of living cells and tissues. This phenomenon is that the effect of ionizing radiation on a cell depends on the saturation of the tissue with oxygen and its concentration in the environment. This effect was discovered back in the 20s of the last century and is still being studied in detail in radiobiological laboratories.

The oxygen effect is one of the most important mechanisms for the induction of mutations, because cells with low oxygen concentrations have a lower barrier to radiation, which leads to an increased likelihood of mutant cells arising. In addition, when the partial pressure of oxygen increases, biologically active free radicals that are formed as a result of exposure to radiation are neutralized. This protective mechanism is the second aspect of oxygen, which makes tissue radiosensitivity even lower.

However, a decrease in oxygen can also have a negative effect on tissue radiosensitization, increasing their resistance to exposure