An Immunohistochemical Study on the Presence of Nitric Oxide Synthase Isoforms (nNOS, iNOS, eNOS) in the Spinal Cord and Nodose Ganglion of Rats Receiving Ionising Gamma Radiation to their Liver.

INTRODUCTION: This study determined the presence of nitric oxide synthesis isoforms (nNOS, iNOS, and eNOS) in thoracic spinal cord segments and nodose ganglia of rats with gamma-irradiated livers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male rats (n = 32) were divided into equal groups A, B, C, and D. In group A, the controls, no radiation was applied, while groups B, C, and D received 10 Gy of ionising gamma radiation. The rats of group B were euthanized at the end of the first day (d1), those of group C on the second day (d2), and those of group D on the third day (d3). The liver, spinal cord segments, and nodose ganglion tissues were dissected and fixed, and the liver sections were examined histopathologically. The other tissues were observed through a light microscope. RESULTS: Regeneration occurred at the end of d3 in hepatocytes which were radiation-damaged at the end of d1 and d2. On d1, some nNOS-positive staining was found in the neuronal cells of laminae I-III of the spinal cord and in neurons of the nodose ganglion, and on d3, some staining was observed in lamina X of the spinal cord, while none of note was in the nodose ganglion. Dense iNOS-positive staining was seen on d1 in the ependymal cells of the spinal cord and in the glial cells of the nodose ganglion, and on d3, there was still considerable iNOS staining in both tissues. There was clear eNOS-positive staining in the capillary endothelial cells of the spinal cord and light diffuse cytoplasmic staining in the neurons of the nodose ganglion on d1, and on d3, intense eNOS-positive staining was visible in several endothelial cells of the spinal cord, while light nuclear staining was recognised in the neurons of the nodose ganglion. CONCLUSION: The nNOS, iNOS, and eNOS isoforms are activated in the spinal cord and nodose ganglion of rats after ionising radiation insult to the liver.

Protective effects of Urtica dioica L. seed extract on liver tissue injury and antioxidant capacity in irradiated rats

Radiotherapy is often used for the treatment of cancer. However, it causes some side effects in patients. This study aimed to determine the hepatoprotective effects of Urtica dioica L. seed-extract (UDSE) in radiation-induced liver injury. Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=8): control(C) group: no action was taken; radiation (R) group: irradiation was administrated at 5Gy single-fraction, radiation with UDSE(R+UDSE) group: irradiation was administrated at 5 Gy single-fraction and animals were fed pellets with 30 mL UDSE/kg; UDSE group: animals were fed pellets with 30 mL UDSE/kg. All of the experiments were performed in all of the groups over 10 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced-glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide-dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px), aspartate-transaminase (AST), and alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) activities were determined. Histopathological findings were also evaluated in liver tissues. SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities and GSH levels in the serum and liver were significantly increased, while MDA levels decreased in the R+UDSE group compared with the R group (P<0.05). Moreover, AST and ALT serum activities in the R+UDSE group were lower than those in the R group (P<0.05). In addition, radiation induced degenerative/necrotic changes in the R group were significantly compensated in the R+UDSE group. The results showed that radiation increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity, as well as degeneration in the liver. However, UDSE attenuated these degenerative changes.

Modification of the radial beam port of ITU TRIGA Mark II research reactor for BNCT applications.

This paper aims to describe the modification of the radial beam port of ITU (Istanbul Technical University) TRIGA Mark II research reactor for BNCT applications. Radial beam port is modified with Polyethylene and Cerrobend collimators. Neutron flux values are measured by neutron activation analysis (Au-Cd foils). Experimental results are verified with Monte Carlo results. The results of neutron/photon spectrum, thermal/epithermal neutron flux, fast group photon fluence and change of the neutron fluxes with the beam port length are presented.

Catalase, carbonic anhydrase and other biochemical parameters in esophageal cancers in Turkey.

PURPOSE: The main aim of our investigation is to show possible changes in antioxidant balance and selected biochemical parameters in esophageal cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed for the determination of levels in 25 patients diagnosed as having cancer in the Yuzuncu Yil University (Medical Oncology) and 15 healthy volunteers at same department with negative cancer signs. RESULTS: The activity levels of catalase of sick and health groups were 33.8±4.31 (EU/gHg)-1, 122.4±31.7 (EU/gHg)-1, respectively. Th differance between the average levels was significant (p<0.001). CA (carbonic anhydrase) activity was 2.19±0.12 (EU/gHg)-1, 2.46±0.32 (EU/gHg)-1 in groups at same order with no statistical significance (p>0.05). The levels of albumin, globulin, ferritin, ALT, LDH, glucose, CRP, AST and uric acid were also determined in sick and healthy groups: 4.04±0.24, 4.04±0.43 gr/dl (p>0.05); 4.46±0.82, 3.17±0.10g/dl (p>0.05); 175.4±29.1, 260.4±15.45g/dI (p<0.001); 12.7±1.13, 19.5±1.91 ng/ml (p<0.001); 317.6±13.8, 298.0±12.1 mg/dl (p>0.05); 106.5±12.1, 89.7±2.2 (p>0.05), 5.94±1.04, 4.41±0.28 U/L (p>0.05); 19.4±1.68, 19.5±1.91 mg/dl (p>0.05); 30.0±3.24, 10.5±0.64 mg/dl (p<0.01) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, in diagnosis of esophageal cancer, CA, CRP, uric acid and antioxidant examinations may be very important factors. Additional studies are needed to further address this important issue.