Abstract
Cysteine ethyl ester hydrochloride was as effective as cysteine in saving the life of X-irradiated (600 R) mice, regardless of whether it was given orally or intraperitoneally. However, the compound did not prolong the life of the animals who received higher dose (800 R) of X-rays.Notwithstanding rather weak effectiveness in radiation protection, cysteine ethyl ester will be useful because of its low toxicity; median lethal oral dose in mice was 35.8 mmoles/kg, while the radioprotective effect was observable in an oral dose of 2.0 mmoles/kg.
