Histological and Histochemical Pattern of Liver of Gamma Irradiated Rats After Treatment with Silymarin

Abstract

It is known that all environments have a natural radioactivity of their own. Natural sources of radiation over which little or no control can be exerted are, cosmic rays, radioisotopes generated in air envelope, radiation from earth and building materials as well as radioactive substances that are found as natural constituents of the living body.

All ionizing radiations (a,' y, x, neutron and protons) at sufficient levels are lethal. However, the radiosensitivity of different biological targets show wide variations.

During the last decades, exposure to radioactive sources increased in reply to their large use for different purposes, particularly for low doses such as those received by occupationally exposed personnel or by others undergoing radiotherapy, research activities and industry.

The controlling of radiation hazards, which are expected to increase in future, is considered as one of the most important challenges in order to protect our life from the radiation damage. Chemical radiation protection has been proved to exert a significant role in the management of radiation toxicity.