The Possible Protective Effect of Selenium on Pancreas of Adult Male Albino Rats Treated with Bleomycin Sulfate

Abstract

Background: Pancreas is one of the most vital complex organs in the body. Bleomycin sulfate is a cytotoxic drug that may injure the pancreas. Objective: To detect the effect of bleomycin sulfate on pancreas of adult male Albino rats and to assess the possible pancreatic protection by selenium use. Materials and methods: This study continued 10 days and included 20 adult male Albino rats that were categorized into three groups: group I served as the control group. Group II: bleomycin sulfate treated group. Group III: bleomycin sulfate and selenium treated group. Pancreatic specimens were excised and processed for light and electron microscopic examination. Furthermore, Anti-insulin immunohistochemical staini was assessed and statistically analyzed. Results: Treatment with bleomycin sulfate induced distortion and damage of pancreatic architecture with areas of hemorrhage and necrosis. The acinar cells showed vacuolation of cytoplasm with either euchromatic or pyknotic nuclei. Islets of Langerhans appeared distorted, shrunken with difficult differentiation between beta cells and alpha cells. Most of these changes were improved by selenium administration. Conclusion: Selenium has significantly ameliorated bleomycininduced alterations in the pancreas of adult male Albino rats.