Effects of gamma radiation on hard dental tissues of albino rats: investigation by light microscopy

Radiat Environ Biophys. 2013 Aug;52(3):375-87. doi: 10.1007/s00411-013-0469-6. Epub 2013 Apr 17.

Abstract

The present work aims at studying the effect of gamma radiation on the hard dental tissues. Eighty adult male albino rats with weights of about 250 g were used. The rats were irradiated at 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 Gy whole-body gamma doses. The effects on hard dental tissue samples were investigated after 48 h in histological and ground sections using light microscopy. Areas of acid phosphatase activity were detected using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) stains. Observation of histological sections revealed disturbance in predentin thickness and odontoblastic layer as the irradiation dose increased. In cementum, widened cementocytes lacunae were occasionally detected even with low irradiated doses. On the other hand, relatively homogenous enamel was detected with darkened areas in enamel surface at doses over than 0.5 Gy. TRAP-positive cells were detected on the surface of the dentin of irradiated groups as well as cementum surface. Minimal detectable changes were observed in ground sections.

MeSH terms

  • Acid Phosphatase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Dental Cementum / metabolism
  • Dental Cementum / pathology
  • Dental Cementum / radiation effects*
  • Dentin / metabolism
  • Dentin / pathology
  • Dentin / radiation effects*
  • Gamma Rays / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Microscopy
  • Rats
  • Whole-Body Irradiation

Substances

  • Acid Phosphatase