Melatonin protective effects to the small intestines among X-ray irradiated White Mice (Mus musculus) Linn.

Abstract

This study examines the radioprotective effects of melatonin towards the small intestine among X-ray irradiated white mice. There are 14 white mice exposed to a different number of X-ray exposures that will contribute damage towards their small intestines and subject to blood stool test. 35 X-ray exposures are identified to damage the small intestines of white mice and have a positive blood in the stool as a result of laboratory test. Another 40 subjects are used and divided into four groups that serve as controls and treatment group to identify the effect of 35 X-ray exposures to white mice with and without melatonin. In conclusion, 35 X-ray exposures damaged the small intestines of white mice which indicate a presence of blood in the stool; pre-treatment of melatonin before irradiation through oral administration has no radioprotective effect. This recommends that the efficacy of oral administration of melatonin as a radioprotective agent of small intestine is low and that intraperitoneal administration is still more effective and recommended based on the original study; more subjects and histopathology study must be used to further validate the study; and radiation dose should be determined by using a dosimeter. Keywords – Radiologic Technology, X-ray exposure, small intestine, melatonin, radiosensitivity, experimental design, Philippines, Asia.