WR2721 BONE-MARROW RADIOPROTECTION - LIGHT AND ELECTRON-MICROSCOPE STUDY

Abstract

To assess the radioprotection afforded by the S- 2- (3 aminopropylamino) ethylphosphorotioic acid (WR2721), bone marrow obtained from mouse femora was examined by means of light and electron microscope 1, 3, 6 and 10 days after a single whole body X ray dose of 7 Gy.Comparing the protected to the unprotected bone marrows, the following features were observed in the protected ones: (1) less depletion of parenchyma cells; (2) less vascular dilatation and hyperemia in parenchyma; (3) apparently less apoptotic figures present 1 day after irradiation and (4) the recovery process occurred earlier.Despite the hyperemia in the parenchyma during the injury phase, the continuity of the sinus wall was maintained in the protected and unprotected marrows.The morphometric method used (NN/N ratio) allowed the estimation of the WR2721 bone marrow radioprotection through the relation of vascular stroma and cellular parenchyma.