Summary
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT. An aging population faces unique health challenges, including increased susceptibility to ionizing radiation (IR) toxicities due to oxidative and nitrative metabolic changes. Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to IR-induced cardiopulmonary toxicities due to age-related physiological changes that impair tissue repair and regeneration. Age-associated decline in metabolic efficiency generates increased reactive oxygen species [i.e., superoxide (O2•−)]. IR exposure may also induce bursts of O2•− and nitrative species [i.e., nitric oxide (NO)]. Excess O2•− ca
