Abstract
Effect of radon exposure on the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in blood, kidney, liver and spleen of male Wistar rats were investigated. Radon exposure was carried out in a newly developed chamber with 226Ra as the radon source. SOD activity, measured by the spin trap method using an electron spin resonance spectrometer, increased greatly in liver and kidney after 4 hour exposure whereas it decreased significantly after 16 hour exposure. Despite approximately same total doses by the radon exposure, the stimulated SOD activity after 4 hour exposure was not observed after 16 hour exposure in kidney, liver and spleen except blood, suggesting that the stimulating effect could last for a short period.