Radioprotective Effect of Magnesium Pemoline: A Comparison with Pemoline and Dextroamphetamine

Magnesium pemoline, a central nervous system stimulant, is found to have a significant protective effect against ionizing radiations. Experimental results show that this drug is more potent than pemoline alone in exhibiting this radioprotective effect, and that dextroamphetamine does not possess this property. It is suggested that magnesium hydroxide, a component of magnesium pemoline, might enhance the absorption of pemoline to produce a more significant effect than when pemoline alone [without Mg(OH)2] is used. The mechanism of this phenomenon is discussed, but no explanations are offered.