Effects of Gamma Radiation on the Antioxidants Activities and Liver Structure and the Protective Role of L-Carnitine in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effect of L-carnitine on radiation-induced free radicals and liver histological changes in male rats. L-carnitine was given orally at a dose of 50 mg/kg for two weeks before irradiation with a single dose of 7 Gy. The animals were autopsied at three intervals; one, two and three weeks post irradiation, samples were taken from blood and livers, and biochemical and histopatological determinations were carried out. In the irradiated group, there were significant increases in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) with marked reduction in glutathione (GSH) levels in the liver, compared with controls. In red blood cells, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were also reduced. All these effects were approximately reversed by L-carnitine administration. Gamma-irradiation induced different histological changes in the liver of irradiated animals. These changes varied from haemrrhage, congestion in blood vessels, pyknosis and necrosis as well as complete degenerated area in the liver. In animals treated with L-carnitine attenuation of most of these changes were noticed. Therefore, the present results suggest that L-carnitine with antioxidant capacity could play a modulatory role against cellular damage affected by free radicals induced by whole body irradiation.