The effect of vitamin A pretreatment on radiation induced alteration in neutrophil functions.

The aim of this investigation was to determine whether pre-administration of vitamin A will be effective in preventing the radiation-induced decline in MPO-H2O2 system and the end product of reactive nitrogen species (NOx) in guinea pig. Animals were subjected to 612 cG of radiation and polimorfonuclear leukocytes were isolated and then NOx and myeloperoxidase activity were measured. In irradiated animals, a marked decrease in NOx level and myeloperoxidase activity have been found compared to control (p = 0.001 and p < 0.000 respectively). The application of vitamin A significantly improved the radiation-induced decrease (for both p < 0.00). In conclusion pre-treatment of vitamin A is efficient to protect against radiation induced alteration in polimorfonuclear leukocyte.