Effects of Poly-MVA on the rheological properties of blood after in-vivo exposure to gamma radiation

Abstract

This study aims to examine the radio-prophylactic effects of poly-MVA against exposure to acute dose of gamma radiation. Adult male rats, weighing 200 gm, were exposed to 6 Gy gamma radiation from Cs-137 source. The animals received daily oral administration of 2 ml/kg body weight of poly-MVA for different time intervals. The prophylactic effect was examined by two modes of administration: two weeks before irradiation and another group which received continuous administration for two weeks before and two other weeks after irradiation (total time of administration 28 days). Different parameters were performed, which include determination of cellular antioxidant enzymes (Glutathione (GSH), catalase and superoxide dismutase) in hepatic cells, the rheological properties of blood, osmotic fragility and scanning electron microscope photography of red blood cells. Exposure to radiation resulted in a significant decrease in cellular antioxidant enzymes (GSH, Catalase and SOD) and decrease in Bingham viscosity, yield stress and aggregation index of blood. Furthermore it induced slightly increase in average osmotic fragility of red blood cells accompanied by decrease in osmotic dispersion and remarkable modification of red blood cell morphology. Administration of Poly-MVA showed markedly elevation in GSH, Catalase and SOD content in liver cells in all treated groups. It also showed improvement in all observed parameters. The obtained results showed that oral uptake of poly MVA posses a radio-prophylactic effect that might be used in planned radiation exposure in diagnosis and radiotherapy.