Abstract:

Objective To explore the protective effects of rubiayunnanensis on the hematopoietic system of mice irradiated with 60Co γ-rays. Methods A mouse model of radiation damage was established and used to probe the protective effects of rubiayunnanensis. Mice were randomly divided into five groups （n=10 animals per group）：mice were given low，intermediate or high doses of an alcohol extract of madder by continuous gavage for 12 d；irradiation alone and control mice were given 1 mL normal saline. At 7 d after gavage began，all irradiation groups were irradiated with 6 Gy 60Co γ-rays and allowed to live another 12 days，then sacrificed. Body weight；counts of erythrocytes，leukocytes，and platelets in peripheral blood；and numbers of karyota in femur were measured. Results Erythrocyte and leukocyte counts were significantly higher in animals treated with high-dose rubiayunnanensis than in irradiation alone animals（P<0.05），while body weight and platelet counts tended to be higher in the high-dose animals. No significant differences were observed between irradiation alone animals or animals treated with low or intermediate doses of rubiayunnanensis. Conclusions High doses of rubiayunnanensis may promote the recovery of hematological function of mice irradiated with 60Co γ-rays.

Key words: Rubiayunnanensis, Gavage, Radiation injury, Hematopoietic system, Protective effects