Effect of x-ray irradiation on lipid peroxide levels in the rat submandibular gland.

We examined the effect of local x-ray irradiation on the changes in the lipid peroxide level in submandibular gland, liver, and blood plasma. Rats five weeks of age received a single low dose of 3 Gy x-ray irradiation to their neck regions. The lipid peroxide level in the submandibular gland was significantly enhanced at seven days after irradiation, as was the level in the blood plasma at two hours, seven and 14 days after irradiation. The lipid peroxide level in the liver decreased, as compared with levels in the controls. There was a slight tendency for acinar cells of the submandibular gland to show pyknosis and anomalous nuclei within three days after irradiation. These results suggest that radiation injury results in an elevation of the lipid peroxides in the submandibular gland, and an increased level in the blood.