Journal of Dental Research, Vol 65, 1028-1029, Copyright © 1986 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Effect of x-ray irradiation on lipid peroxide levels in the rat submandibular gland
M. Nishi, H. Takashima, T. Oka, N. Ohishi and K. Yagi
We examined the effect of local x-ray irradiation on the changes in the
lipid peroxide level in submandibular gland, liver, and blood plasma. Rats
five weeks of age received a single low dose of 3 Gy x-ray irradiation to
their neck regions. The lipid peroxide level in the submandibular gland was
significantly enhanced at seven days after irradiation, as was the level in
the blood plasma at two hours, seven and 14 days after irradiation. The
lipid peroxide level in the liver decreased, as compared with levels in the
controls. There was a slight tendency for acinar cells of the submandibular
gland to show pyknosis and anomalous nuclei within three days after
irradiation. These results suggest that radiation injury results in an
elevation of the lipid peroxides in the submandibular gland, and an
increased level in the blood.
