[The radiobiology of metallothioneins]. / Radiobiologiia metallotioneinov.

The data about the increase of cell and tissue metallothioneins (MT) level after the irradiation by ionizing radiation and UV rays were present. The conclusion was made that increase was conditioned by DNA damage by free radicals with following MT-genes amplification. Some agents which increased endogenous MT content also exogenous MT protected biological object from the irradiation and agents which caused oxidative stress. The possible mechanisms of MT protection effect (principal is the MT antioxidative properties) and some aspects of practical application of MT were examined.