Exposure to gamma rays induces early alterations in skin in rodents: Mechanical, biochemical and structural responses

• Published in: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety 2009-03, Vol.72 (3), p.889-894
• Main Authors: Balli, Ebru, Comelekoglu, Ulku, Yalin, Erdinc, Yilmaz, Nejat, Aslantas, Suat, Sögüt, Fatma, Berköz, Mehmet, Yalin, Serap
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biomechanic; Catalase - metabolism; Catalase - radiation effects; Collagen; Collagen - radiation effects; Collagen - ultrastructure; Dermis; Elastic Modulus - radiation effects; Elasticity - radiation effects; Epidermis - radiation effects; Epidermis - ultrastructure; Gamma rays; Gamma Rays - adverse effects; Lipid peroxidation; Male; Malondialdehyde - metabolism; Malondialdehyde - radiation effects; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Radiation Injuries, Experimental - etiology; Radiation Injuries, Experimental - metabolism; Radiation Injuries, Experimental - physiopathology; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Skin; Skin - metabolism; Skin - physiopathology; Skin - radiation effects; Stress, Mechanical; Tensile Strength - radiation effects
• ISSN: 0147-6513; 1090-2414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2008.09.021

In this study, the effect of gamma rays has been investigated on the normal rat skin using biomechanical, biochemical and histological techniques. Seventeen male Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups (control ( n=7) and irradiated ( n=10)). The irradiated group was treated with a 60Co gamma source at a dose of 10 Gy at room temperature. Skin biomechanics were measured with tensile test using biomaterial testing machine and maximum load, stiffness, energy absorption capacity, ultimate stress, ultimate strain and elastic modulus were calculated. In the irradiated group, energy, strain and toughness were significantly lower than in the control group ( p0.05). Catalase (CAT) activities and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the skin of rats were measured using the biochemical methods. MDA levels significantly increased whereas CAT activities decreased in the irradiated group as compared with the control group ( p0.05) between control and irradiated groups for collagen fiber diameter. Thickness of epidermis was significantly lower than the control group. There were no changes in the epidermis between the irradiated group and the control group ultrastructurally. The results of this study show that the gamma irradiation has a significant effect on normal healthy skin