RESUMO
Accidental radfiation exposure raises concern for functional modifications in the uterine physiology. In the current work, total body gamma-irradiation [0.7, 1.4 and 2.1 Gy] of non-pregnant adult female albino rats increased significantly the frequency and amplitude of uterine contractions in-vivo. Administration of Thiola [a sulghydryl containing agent] in doses of 100 or 250 mg/kg, pre-irradiation, or Piroxicam [a potent prostaglandin inhibitor] in a dose of 2 mg/kg, pre- or post-irradiation failed to normalize the changes induced by gamma-irradiation. However, administration of Diltiazem [a Ca+2 channel blocker, 8 mg/kg] pre- or post-irradiation caused significant decrease in the frequency of uterine contractions [21% and 24% respectively] as well as the amplitude of contractions [62% and 39 respectively] in comparison to the uterotonic pattern of gamma-irradiation alone. The results indicate a promising tocolytic activity of Diltiazem against the uterotonic effect of gamma-radiation