Apoptosis And Regeneration Of The Olfactory Epithelium In Mice After Radiation Injury

ObjectiveTo establish the experimental model of mice with radioactive-damaged olfactory mucosa; To study apoptosis and regeneration of the OE in mice after radiation injury, and explore the possible mechanism of olfactory disorder after radiotherapy, expecting to offer a new way for the fundamental research of olfactory disorder after radiotherapy.Methods1. To establish the experimental model of mice with radioactive-damaged olfactory mucosa: The BALB/c mice noses were exposd to X-ray with a dose of 4 Gy, and the mice were allowed to survive for 1, 3, 6, 12, 60 days after radiation treatment.2. To investigate the effects of apoptosis and regeneration of the OE in mice after radiation injury: The radiation induced apoptotic cells were detected with method of TUNEL and the regenerating cells were detected with technique of BrdU incorporation and monoclonal antibody labeling.Results1.The cells in OE were sparse after radiation exposure.2.The apoptotic cells of the OE increased significantly after radiation exposure, whereas the regenerating cells increased slightly.Conclusion1. Exposing the BALB/c mice noses to 4 Gy X-ray is a good way to establish the experimental model of mice with radioactive-damaged olfactory mucosa.2. The structural damage of the OE after radiation exposure leading to cell loss in it, which likely to explain the mechanisms of olfactory dysfunction after radiotherapy.