The present investigation reports the possible protective effect of β-carotene against hepatic lesions induced in male albino rats due to γ-irradiation. 48 male albino rats were divided into three main groups; the first group served as control (12 rats). Rats of the second group (18 rats) were exposed to a sub-lethal dose of whole body γ-irradiation and then divided into three equal subgroups. The rats of the third main group (18 rats) received 5mg/kg body wt of β-carotene at a daily oral dose for 2 consecutive weeks, and were then subjected to whole body γ-irradiation at sub-lethal single dose level of 6Gy (Gray). This group was then divided into three equal subgroups. The rats were autopsied at three intervals; one week, two weeks and four weeks post irradiation. The obtained data revealed that γ-irradiation-induced different histological changes in the liver of irradiated rats. These changes varied from haemorrhage, congestion in blood vessels, pyknosis and necrosis as well as complete degenerated areas in the liver. Electron micrographs recorded swollen mitochondria, fragmented endoplasmic reticulum, distorted nuclei and cell membrane and lipid infiltration in the hepatocytes of irradiated animals. The treatment with β-carotene (5 mg/ kg body wt for two consecutive weeks) pre-exposure to radiation attenuated most of these changes.
Therefore, the present study has concluded the potential use of β-carotene dissolved in corn oil as a radio protector.