Radiation-induced enterocolitis: basic and applied science

• Published in: The European journal of surgery Vol. 164; no. S12; pp. 85 - 89
• Main Authors: Szabo, Sandor, Sandor, Zsuzsa, Vincze, Aron, Gombos, Zoltan, Mohiuddin, Ahmed, Viravathana, Thavinsakdi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: UK Taylor & Francis, Ltd 01.12.1998
• ISSN: 1102-4151; 1741-9271
• DOI: 10.1080/11024159850191508

We adapted and introduced in our laboratory a simplified animal model of radiation‐induced enterocolitis. After a shielding of the parenchymatous organs, our dose‐response studies revealed that 20 Gy x‐ray radiation resulted in about 20% mortality and reproducible lesions in the terminal ileum and proximal colon. These changes are optimal for pharmacologic studies since they may be decreased or aggravated by drugs. Sucralfate dose‐dependently decreased the clinical signs of enterocolitis (e.g., lethargy, diarrhea) as well as the number and area of ileal and colonic erosions and ulcers. The wet weight of the ileum and colon were also decreased by sucralfate. bFGF at the small doses used exerted a beneficial effect only on a few of the parameters of enterocolitis. Thus sucralfate, and maybe bFGF, might decrease the severity and accelerate the healing of radiation‐induced enterocolitis. Copyright © 1998 Taylor and Francis Ltd.