[Characteristics of mitochondria and myocardium ultrastructure of rats following chronic incorporation of cesium radionuclides 137 Cs].

Ultrastructure, tissue respiration and oxidative phosphorilation were studies in the myocardium of animals after chronic natural irradiation by 137Cs in quantities that can in reality threaten population of radionuclide-polluted regions. Decline in the respiratory activity of the myocardium and ultrastructural disorders can be attributed to the effects of ions of radioactive Cs which is also a potassium antagonist. A hypothesis has been put forward according to which cesium blocks potassium channels in mitochondria and thus changes the volume and configuration of internal mitochondrial membranes, and impacts the respiratory processes. In the opinion of the authors, these changes characterize the mitochondrial phase of apoptosis which, in the event of chronic exposure to radionuclides, is a compensatory-adaptive mechanism eliminating the least immutable subpopulation of cardiomyocites.