Radioprotective Effect of Exogenous Glutathione on Rat Parotid Glands

Abstract

The prophylactic effect of glutathione (GSH) on radiation injury in rat parotid glands was investigated. GSH was administered to male Wistar rats i.p. 15 min prior to irradiation. The necrosis index (NI) of the glands was determined histologically 24 h after a single dose of 15, 30, or 60 Gy. Total amylase activity, total protein content and wet weight of the glands were measured 30, 60 and 90 days after irradiation. Administration of GSH prior to radiation minimized acute and chronic radiation injuries as a function of the GSH dose: i.e. reduction of NI and prevention of the decrease in total amylase activity, total protein content and gland weight. The intraglandular level of non-protein-bound thiols (NPSH) and GSH increased significantly after i.p. administration of GSH, whether or not the glands were irradiated. An autoradiographic study revealed that i.p.-administered 35S-GSH was actively taken up by the glandular parenchyma, especially in the acini and ducts. It was shown that elevation of the intraglandular level of NPSH after exogenous administration of GSH protected the parotid glands from radiation injury in the rat.

Vitamin E as antioxidant in female african catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to chronic toxicity of atrazine

“…GSH protect the membrane-polyunsaturated fatty acid hydrogen of sulfohydryl group instead of methylene hydrogen of unsaturated lipid (Arima and Shiba, 1992). Moreover, GSH serves as a cofactor for glutathione transferase, which facilitates the removal of certain chemicals and other reactive molecules from the cells.…”

Natural Radioprotective Agents: An Overview

“…The X-ray induced decrease in white and red blood cells as well as platelets shows recovery and promotion in the presence of added glutathione [140]. Its protective capacity to rat salivary glands against X-ray induced damage is also demonstrated [141]. Soyabean proteins protect rat brains against X-irradiation induced changes in DNA, RNA and protein levels as well as the histological changes in the testis [142].…”

Preemptive Pharmacologic Intervention in Radiation-Induced Salivary Dysfunction

“…The suspected role of free radicals in radiation-induced tissue damage has prompted studies directed toward the potential protective effects of free-radical scavengers. Arima and Shiba demonstrated a protective effect of glutathione in irradiated rat parotid gland (105). Intravenous administration of catalase, which limits formation of hydroxyl radicals from hydrogen peroxide, caused a consistent reduction of radiation-induced morphologic abnormalities in both the vascular endothelium and squamous epithelium of the rat (102).…”