STW 5 protects against radiation induced intestinal mucositis in rats

Intestinal inflammation is a common adverse effect in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The condition has been simulated in rats by exposing them to radiation from a Cobalt 60 source. Acute exposure to radiation dose levels of 2, 6, and 8 Gray produced graded extents of intestinal mucositis as judged by histological examination with evidence of apoptotic cells with the highest exposure level. The histological changes were accompanied by a nearly twofold increase in cytosolic calcium and a marked increase in serum LDH. Derangements in the apoptosis biomarkers, BCl2 and diamineoxidase activity, were also no…