INHIBITION OF STEROIDOGENESIS REDUCES STRUCTURAL RADIATION-INDUCED DAMAGES OF ENDOCRINE CELLS

Introduction. Neuroendocrine cells are involved in multiple regulatory processes. In the article the attention is paid to the key signaling molecules that provide local interactions between neuroendocrine cells after radiation exposure. The aim of the study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of the modification of structural and functional alterations in cells of different compartments of the diffuse neuro-endocrine system (DNES) after whole-body gamma irradiation. Methods. The target of research were pituitary, thyroid gland, stomach and pancreatic endocrine cells of Wistar rats after 7 Gy total body irradiation. In the work there were used d immunohistochemical methods. Results. Inhibition of steroidogenesis by metopirone was found to reduce radiation-induced cell damage to DNES. Conclusion. Admittedly, non-specific (stress) response of the organism to radiation exposure inflicts additional injuries to resident stem cells, while a restriction of significant changes of concentration of biologically active ingredients by metopirone facilitates adaptive capacity of the body.