Morphofunctional characteristics of the pancreas after administration of N-acetylcysteine in an acute post-radiation pancreatitis model

BACKGROUND: The development of effective methods of non-drug and drug protection of humans and animals from the effects of ionizing radiation remains relevant. It is necessary to conduct a morphofunctional assessment of changes in the pancreatic parenchyma and identify the degree of radiosensitization of acinocytes and insulocytes outside the tumor, as well as during electron therapy of cancer of neighboring organs, such as the colon, stomach, etc. AIM: morphological assessment of the pancreas after administration of N-acetylcysteine in a model of acute radiation-induced pancreatitis. METHODS: Wistar rats (Rattus Wistar; n=40) were divided into four experimental groups: I control (n=10); II (n=10) fractional irradiation with electrons in a total irradiation dose of 25 Gy; III (n=10) administration of N-acetylcysteine before electron irradiation; IV (n=10) administration of N-acetylcysteine. Animals of all groups (I IV) were removed from the experiment a week after the last fraction. RESULTS: A week after electron irradiation in group II, a disturbance in histoarchitecture was observed, due to the presence of signs of acute post-radiation pancreatitis. This was accompanied by increases in glucose, amylase and malondialdehyde levels, as well as decreases in insulin and superoxide dismutase levels. During the administration of N-acetylcysteine in group III, less pronounced depth and range of damage to the pancreas was noted. CONCLUSION: As a result of the morphofunctional study of the pancreas after irradiation with electrons against the background of the administration of N-acetylcysteine, it can be considered quite reasonable to conclude that it is advisable to conduct further studies of the protective effects of this drug when exposed to ionizing radiation using immunohistochemical, molecular genetic and other methods.