Multiple parametric approaches to assess acute radiation lung injury of rats

The effect of whole body gamma irradiation (WBI) in single fraction was studied, as well as its influen­ce on the secretion of various biochemical markers and cellular component that could be used as acute radiation lung injury marker. Sprague dawley rats were treated with WBI (60Co) of radiation dose from 1 Gy to 5 Gy (dose rate – 0.95 Gy/min). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was retrieved from all animals in control and radiation treated groups up to 72 h post radiation. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (AP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cell count and total protein. Intragroup and intergroup comparison of BALF parameters at different radiation doses showed significant difference. LDH was significantly increased as the dose increased from 1Gy to 5Gy (P = 0.00) after 2 h with effect size of difference (r > 0.3). ALP was significantly altered after 3Gy and 4Gy (P < 0.05). AP was significantly altered at 2Gy-5Gy (P < 0.05). Total protein level changed significantly from 1Gy to 5Gy (P < 0.00). Cellular content of BALF showed significant changes after radiation exposure. BALF parameters like LDH, AP, ALP, neutrophils, lymphocytes, total leukocyte count and total protein were sensitive to radiation exposure and their levels vary significantly up to 72 h after single whole body radiation exposure in Sprague dawley rats. It can be concluded that the biochemical indices in BALF have more wide application in evaluation of acute radiation induced lung injury