Morphofunctional characteristics of the pancreas after N-acetylcysteine administration in an acute postradiation pancreatitis model

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The development of effective nondrug and drug-based methods for protecting humans and animals from the effects of ionizing radiation remains important. A morphofunctional assessment of changes in the pancreatic parenchyma is required to determine the degree of radiosensitization of acinar cells and islet cells outside the tumor and during electron treatment of cancer of nearby organs, such as the colon and stomach. AIM: Morphofunctional assessment of the pancreas after N-acetylcysteine administration in a model of acute radiation-induced pancreatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats (Rattus Wistar; n=40) were divided into three experimental groups: control group I (n=10); II (n=10) — fractional irradiation with electrons in a total dose of 25 Gy; III (n=10) — administration of N-acetylcysteine before electron irradiation; and IV (n=10) — administration of N-acetylcysteine. A week after the last fraction, animals from all groups were removed from the experiment. RESULTS: A week after electron irradiation, a disruption in histoarchitecture was found in group II due to signs of acute postradiation pancreatitis. Increases in glucose, amylase, and malondialdehyde levels were associated with decreases in insulin and superoxide dismutase levels. In group III, the depth and range of damage to the pancreas were less evident with N-acetylcysteine administration. CONCLUSIONS: After a week of local irradiation with electrons at a total irradiation dose of 25 Gy, the histoarchitecture of the pancreas is disrupted, resulting in acute postradiation pancreatitis. N-acetylcysteine reduces the depth and range of radiation-induced damage while increasing the effectiveness of antioxidant protection.