Protection of Mouse Liver from Gamma Ray Exposure: a Review

Gamma radiation induces pathological changes in the mouse liver which are dose dependent. Ionizing radiation at lower doses causes hematopoietic syndrome, at higher dose causes gastrointestinal syndrome and central nervous syndrome. Radiation causes inactivation of certain enzymes, denaturation of proteins, interruption of mitosis, chromosomal aberration etc. The severity of symptoms increased with radiation dose. The liver is the largest gland in the body, it occupies an important place among vital organs. It was considered earlier relatively resistant to gamma radiations. The use of synthetic and chemical agents has limited use due to their toxic nature at therapeutically effective concentration. Phytoextract are reported to contain a large number of bioactive molecules which render protection to most of the vital organs. This article reviews some of the findings in the development of radioprotector with emphasis on prospective medicinal plants and their phytochemical tested in the liver of gamma irradiated mice.