The aim of this study was to elucidate the ultrastructural changes in the liver cells of mole rats (Spalax leucodon) exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Thirteen mole rats used in this study were caught from nature. They were divided into four groups. The first group was separated as a control and was not given any radiation. The rest were exposed to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation for 7, 14, and 21 days. The electron microscopic examinations revealed that significant ultrastructural changes occurred in the liver tissue. These changes were the reduction in cytoplasmic organelles, dilatation in rough endoplasmic reticulum, impairment of nucleus membrane, and broadened and vacuolated mitochondria in the cytoplasm. Also, UVC radiation caused significant changes in liver enzymes of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gama-glutamiltransferase values. After long-term exposure to radiation, some excessive ultrastructural changes occurred. These results indicated that longer exposure to UVR would cause more ultrastructural effects on the liver cells and liver enzymes.

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UltrastructureMole rats a b s t r a c tThe purpose of this study was to investigate the ultrastructural effects of ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation on the pancreatic exocrine cells of mole rats. The mole rats were divided into two groups as control and test groups. Control group did not receive any radiation. The other group was irradiated with UV radiation for 14 and 28 days. The pancreatic tissue samples were prepared and then analyzed through transmission electron microscope.Depending on the radiation exposure, it is likely to say that the zymogen granules decreased to more than 70 per cent for the control group and the dilation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and vacuolization of mitochondria increased in the pancreatic exocrine cells at the 14 days of radiation as compared with the control group; however, they were easily observed in the 28 days of radiation exposure. Particularly in the 28 days of radiation, the zymogen granules decreased and vacuolated, and the rough endoplasmic reticulum was frequently shortened and dilated. These findings clearly demonstrated the effects of UVC radiation on pancreatic exocrine cells in an exposure-period dependent manner.

Ultrastructure Dermis Stratum corneumMole rats a b s t r a c t It is likely that the UV rays will affect the epidermis of mammals. All these negative effects justify the studies on the relation between the UV rays and epidermis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ultrastructural effects of ultraviolet C radiation (UVC) on the stratum corneum of mole rats epidermis. Mole rats were divided into two as the control and experiment groups. The control group did not receive any radiation while the other groups were irradiated with UV radiation for 52, 112 and 168 h. The skin samples were prepared and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. After the examination, stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum and stratum corneum layers were distinguished. The most drastic effects of UVC were noted in stratum corneum. Lacunae formations and unkeratinized cytoplasmic residues were observed within the horny cells.Depending on dosage and exposal period of the UVC radiation, ultrastructural changes occurred in the stratum corneum on mole rats epidermis.

Mole rats (Spalax leucodon)Stratum basale Ultrastructure a b s t r a c tThe ultrastructure of the epidermis of mole rats (Spalax leucodon) was studied after irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light (l max ¼ 254 nm; 0.00147 J cm À2 s À1 ; for periods of 52, 112 and 168 h) by using transmission electron microscope (TEM). After irradiation, Vacuolation in cytoplasm and mitochondria, and wrinkled nucleus were found in the stratum basal cells. Also, pathological aggregations of tonofilaments are formed in the desmosomes in these cells. These findings clearly demonstrated the harmful effects of ultraviolet C radiation on the stratum basale. The degree of pathological changes occurred depending on exposure time and radiation dosage applied.