EARLY PEROXIDISING EFFECTS OF MYOCARDIAL DAMAGE IN RATS AFTER GAMMA-IRRADIATION AND FARMORUBICIN (4'-EPIDOXORUBICIN) TREATMENT

Changes in lipid peroxide levels (TBA-RS) in rat serum and heart tissu e as well as creatine kinase enzyme (CPK) activity in serum were used as early indicators of peroxidizing effects of heart damage after frac tionated gamma-irradiation (4 x 5 Gy) and/or farmorubicin (4 x 2.5 mg/ kg) treatment. An increase in the TBA-RS and enzyme activity was obser ved after the action of both agents given separately or in combination . The maximal expression of biochemical effects appeared a few days af ter irradiation or farmorubicin treatment. The application of the anti oxidant, vitamin E, diminished the level of TBA-RS in serum and in hea rt homogenates plus CPK activity in serum, indicating the involvement of peroxidizing mechanisms in myocardial damage by both agents.