ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The objective of this work was to compare the effect of a bradykinin potentiating (BPF) isolated from venom of Egyptian scorpion Androctonus amoreuxi as a natural angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) with losartan (LOS), a chemical angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), in the modulation of radiation-induced damage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats were grouped into: (i) CONTROL: untreated; (ii) + C(BPF): Received intraperitoneally (i.p.) BPF 1 µg/g body weight (b.w.) (twice/week) during 3 weeks; (iii) + C(LOS:) Received i.p. LOS 5 µg/g b.w. (twice/week) during 3 weeks; (iv) R: Irradiated at 4 Gy; (v) R + BPF and (vi) R + LOS: Received BPF or LOS post-irradiation for 3 weeks. RESULTS: BPF or LOS treatment induced a significant drop of sodium and uric acid. Irradiation induced a significant elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) associated with a significant decrease of glutathione (GSH) content in the kidney. Serum aldosterone, sodium, urea and creatinine levels showed a significant increase while a significant drop was recorded for haematological values, calcium and uric acid levels. Treatment of irradiated animals with BPF or LOS significantly improved radiation-induced changes. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that the use of BPF as a natural product is comparable to the chemical compound LOS.
