The aim of the present study was to evaluate the modulator role of evening primrose oil (EPO) on the radiation induced changes in certain biochemical and histological abnormalities.
Female rats were exposed to 5 Gy whole body -irradiation delivered as single dose. EPO was orally administrated to rats (9 ml/100g b.wt) 7 days before irradiation exposure. Animals were sacrificed 1 day (oestrus stage), 6 days (one estrus cycle) and 12 days (two estrus cycle) after irradiation. The results obtained revealed that treatment with EPO diminished the increase in total cholesterol, urea and creatinine levels in plasma in comparison with the levels recorded in the plasma of irradiated rats. Significant amelioration of the radiation induced changes in RBC,s WBC,s count and the haemoglobin concentration, calcium level, FSH and LH hormones were also recorded in the plasma of EPO treated and irradiated rats. Histological observations of photomicrograph of kidney and ovary sections showed that irsaoiaun resulted in irradiation induced ruptured, dilated, haemorrhage glomerulei dissolution of the majority of primary follicles, and atrophy in ovary size. All these changes were obviously improved in animals supplied with EPO.
It could be concluded that EPO could be useful adjunct for maintaining the integrity of biochemical functions and restoring the original histological architecture of kidney and ovary after irradiation.