Prolonged expression of senescence markers in mice exposed to gamma-irradiation

J Vet Sci. 2012 Dec;13(4):331-8. doi: 10.4142/jvs.2012.13.4.331.

Abstract

Although ionizing radiation is known to induce cellular senescence in vitro and in vivo, its long-term in vivo effects are not well defined. In this study, we examined the prolonged expression of senescence markers in mice irradiated with single or fractionated doses. C57BL/6 female mice were exposed to 5 Gy of γ-rays in single or 5, 10, 25 fractions. At 2, 4, and 6 months after irradiation, senescence markers including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) common deletion, p21, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA β-gal) were monitored in the lung, liver, and kidney. Increases of mtDNA deletion were detected in the lung, liver, and kidney of irradiated groups. p21 expression and SA β-gal staining were also increased in the irradiated groups compared to the non irradiated control group. Increases of senescence markers persisted up to 6 months after irradiation. Additionally, the extent of mtDNA deletion and the numbers of SA β-gal positive cells were greater as the number of radiation fractions increased. In conclusion, our results showed that ionizing radiation, especially that delivered in fractions, can cause the persistent upregulation of senescence marker expression in vivo. This should be considered when dealing with chronic normal tissue injuries caused by radiation therapy or radiation accidents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cellular Senescence / radiation effects*
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 / metabolism
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / radiation effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Female
  • Gamma Rays*
  • Gene Deletion
  • Gene Expression Regulation / radiation effects*
  • Genetic Markers / genetics*
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Lung / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • beta-Galactosidase / metabolism

Substances

  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • Genetic Markers
  • beta-Galactosidase