Effects of radiation on the permeability of human basement membranes

The influence of radiation on the permeability properties of human basement membrane was investigated by measuring the diffusion rate of several organ ic compounds (glycine, proline, glucose, urea and insulin) through human an terior lens capsules. The basement membranes borne an gamma-irradiation tre atment change significantly their permeability vis-a-vis studied organic su bstances. This modification in physico-chemical properties is probably due to the radiation, which alters or degrades the complex structure (or archit ecture) of basement membranes. Moreover the change in permeability is depen dent upon the diffusing compounds. An increase in diffusion has been observ ed for glucose, glycine and urea. However for insulin and proline, a decrea se in diffusion rate was observed.