Molecular and Cellular Radiobiology
Project Title: Mechanisms of Action of Free Radicals and Hormones RX-03-02-(c)
1?.
Expected Results in FY 1974:
(Cont'd,)

studies, and during the past two years Bielski has begun to apply radiolysis
procedures to the study of biochemical redox reactions, including enzymic

ones; while Holroyd is also employing pulse radiolysis to study the same
materials,
An on-line EPR/radiation facility would add significant scope
to this work.
For several years P. Levy of the Solid State Physics group has been
interested in setting up .n on-line EPR/radiation station at BNL's

Dynamitron accelerator for the study of irradiated solids.
reduction in operating funds

for the group,

Prior to the

equipment for the EPR components

was acquired including special magnets axially bored to permit unperturbed

transport of the electron beam; and a beam pipe and "cave" compatible with
EPR use have been provided.
Several years ago Levy and Mattern expressed
strong interest in collaboration with us on radiobiological and radiochemical
studies using the proposed EPR facility at the Dynamitron, provided that we

be responsible for the special microwave cavities and other equipment

required for aqueous solution work,
In the interim, however, the Physics
Department budget has forced termination of the development work, Mattern
has left BNL, and the incomplete EPR facility is in limbo.
During the past year informal exploratory meetings were held between
members of BNL Chemistry and Medical Departments regarding possible collabora-=
tion in applying radiochemical and pulse radiolysis techniques to biomedical

research in conjuction with EPR capability, especially flow systems for

studying transient free radical intermediates,
An on-line EPR/radiation
facility would be of the greatest importance in supporting this proposed
collaboration.

.

The facility would utilize present equipment and experimental rooms
of the Physics Department and would require a full-time junior scientist
plus an estimated $10,000 for initial

installation.

Although justified here

in terms of radiation biophysics, non-radiation biochemistry, and the
correlation of free radical mechanisms between the two, the facility would

also be a uniquely powerful analytical tool in research on free radicals of
pollutants, as is pointed out in the supplementary 189,
(Borg)
A number of peptides of histidine and cysteine will be prepared by the

dinitrophenylene bridging method, both to demonstrate the method and for the

acquig$tion of several hormone analogs not otherwise obtainable.
The
dinit
henylene bridging method will be extended to peptides of tyrosine if
poss ie.
Itc is planned to put into use the first system of enzymatic
deprotection and to combine the attachment and deprotection work into a

system of solid phase peptide synthesis which allows for preparation of

hormone analogs entirely in aqueous solution at abouc physiological conditions
of pH and temperature.
(Schwartz, Walter)

(See Continuation Sheet)

1119306

RX- 246

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