Abstract

EFFECT OF GAMMA RADIATION AND LEAD ON TOTAL ERYTHROCYTE COUNT (TEC) AND HAEMOGLOBIN OF MICE AND ITS MODIFICATION BY EMBLICA OFFICINALIS LINN.

Venkteshwar Songara, Seema Singariya, Manisha Agarwal, Aruna Chakrawarti, R. K. Purohit*

Abstract

Haematopoetic system is the one of the most radiosensitive part in the mammals. Exposure to ionizing radiation increases the production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading the irradiated cells into a state of oxidative stress. Furthermore, Lead exposure along with ionizing radiation can potentially become toxic to the tissues due to the heightened oxidative stress. In the present study adult male Swiss albino mice were procured and divided into seven groups. Group (II to IV) serving as control, received sub lethal dose (3.0 Gy or 6.0Gy) and /or lead acetate (20ppm) in drinking water ad libitum. The experimental groups(V to VII) were given aqueous solution of Emblica (1000 mg/ Kg b.wt./ animal/ day) orally seven days prior to radiation and/or lead acetate treatment. Sham- irradiated animals of Group I served as normal. Animals of all the groups were autopsied at each post treatment interval of 1,2,4,7,14 and 28 days. Blood was collected for total erythrocyte count (TEC) and haemoglobin estimation. The TEC and haemoglobin showed a dose- dependent decreasing trend in control groups up to day- 14 and thereafter it increased up to day-28. The Combined treatment showed synergistic effect. In experimental groups less severe radiolesions and an early onset of recovery was observed. Therefore it may be deduced that Emblica is a good herbal radioprotecter and may be useful for the clinical applications in human beings during radiotherapy.

Keywords: Mice, Radiation, Lead acetate, Emblica, Radioprotector.