Effect of Sub Lethal Dose Electron Beam Irradiation on Swiss Albino Mice Lung: A Pilot Study

Vijay R1,3, Vishakh R1 , Sharmila K P1,3, Madhu L N2 ,Pushpalatha K C3 , Suchetha Kumari N4*

1. Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Nitte University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. 2. Department of Biochemistry, St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. 3 Department of Biochemistry, Mangalore University, Mangalagangotri, Madikeri, Karnataka, India. 4. Department of Biochemistry, Nitte University, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.

*Corresponding Author Dr. Suchetha Kumari N, Professor, Department of Biochemistry, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte University,Mangalore-575018. Karnataka, India. Email id: Suchetha.shetty@rediffmail.com

Abstract :

Background: The lung is one of the most radiosensitive organs, yet is frequently irradiated as part of treatment programmes for cancers of the lung, oesophagus, breast, and lymphatic system. Clinically significant radiation lung injury occurs in 30% of patients irradiated for lung cancer and 10–15% of other thoracic oncology patients. The present study was carried out to know the effect of Sub-lethal dose of electron beam irradiation on Swiss albino mice lung. Methods and Materials: Experiment was performed by taking 12 healthy Swiss albino mice with body weight 25±5g. Animals were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 served as control and Group 2 irradiated with sub lethal dose (6Gy) of Electron Beam radiation. After 15 days of radiation animals were sacrificed by euthanasia, lungs were dissected immediately. DNA Damage in lung tissue was assessed using Single cell gel electrophoresis, Total collagen content in lung was evaluated using Hydroxyproline assay and Histopathology of lung tissue was done by Hematoxylin –eosin (H&E) staining method. The results were tabulated and subjected to mean ± SD using Graph pad Prism 3.0 software. Results: Group 2 showed increased DNA damage compared to control. Lung tissue hydroxyproline content increased significantly in irradiated mice compared to non-irradiated group. The histopathological changes also revealed that the extent of the lung injury was significantly increased in case of mice irradiated with sub lethal dose EBR. Conclusion: The present study showed that the sub lethal dose of Electron beam radiation led to DNA Damage, lung injury, inflammation and fibrosis. Key words: Electron Beam Radiation, Lung injury, DNA Damage, Total Collagen.