Fine structural studies on the protective role of guanidinoethane sulfonic acid [GES] against low dose: Gamma radiation induced damage in rat pancreas

ABSTRACT

Any radiation exposure, no matter how small, carries with it some risk. All cells are not equally sensitive to radiation damage. The biological effects of high levels of radiation exposure are fairly well known, but the effects of low levels of radiation are more difficult to determine. Radio protective effects of Guanidinoethane Sulfonic Acid [GES] as analogue of taurine have been investigated in whole body irradiated rats. This study was taken to evaluate the structural effect of low dose radiation on the pancreatic cells as a model of radiosensitive organs and the role of [GES] as a radioprotector. Male rats were chosen for this study. The animals were divided into three groups each had equal numbers of animals, the first group served as a control group. The second group was exposed to gamma radiation at a dose level 1 Gy twice a week for 12 weeks, at a dose rate 1 Gy/1.5 min. The third group was given Guanidinoethane Sulfonic Acid [GES] as 1% solution in drinking water beginning 14 days before irradiation and continuing for 14 days thereafter, when the rats were killed. Histopathological and electron microscopical studies revealed that accumulative dose of gamma radiation affects both exocrine and endocrine cells of the pancreas. Using Guanidinoethane Sulfonic Acid [GES] as an analog of taurine helps the cells to regain its normal structure