histological study on the effect of glucan on the spleen and jejunum of male albino rat exposed to gamma radiation

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of immunomodulator glucan [isolated from the Baker yeast] in protecting the spleen and jejunum against the cellular damage induced by gamma radiation. Fourty adult male Albino rats were used and divided into four groups, ten animals each. Group I animals were considered as control group. Animals of group II received glucan intraperitoneally in a dose of 250 mg/kg B.wt for 20 days. Group III animals were submitted to whole body gamma radiation every other for 20 days to reach a total dose of 10 Gy. Animals of group IV were received glucan during exposure to radiation for 20 days. Exposure to gamma radiation resulted in a decrease of the lymphocytic content of the lymphatic follicles of the spleen with an increase in the number of macrophages. In the jejunum, loss of apical parts of the villi, reduction in the height of some villi, degennneration of both the surface columnar cells [enterocytes] and Goblet cells, as well as mononuclear cellular infiltration in the core of the villi, were observed. Moreover, there was increased amount of fibrous tissue in the submucosa of the jejunum as well as, decreased PAS positive reaction of the goblet cells and in the brush borders of enterocytes. By scanning electron microscopy, loss of the microvilli and degeneration of the enterocytes as well as degranulation and degeneration of the goblet cells were also observed. Administration of glucan during exposure to radiation for 20 days, revealed improvement of the radiation induced histological alteration both in the spleen and jejunum. It was suggested that glucan may reduce the incidence of radiation indduced cellular damage