Basic study on effects of radon inhalation on acute alcohol injury in mice

Abstract

We previously reported that radon inhalation enhanced antioxidative function in some organs of mice. On the other hand, acute alcohol injury is induced by reactive oxygen species in liver or brain. In the present study, we examined the effects of radon inhalation on acute alcohol injury in mice. The radon concentration in the air was regulated 4000Bq/m³ using the DOLL STONE. BALB/c mice were inhaled radon for 28 hr. The mice were received 30 % ethanol (6g/kg) by gavages every 12 hr three times. At 4 hr after the final ethanol dose, the livers, brains and blood in mice were obtained for biochemical assay and histological observation. Results show that the radon inhalation for 28 hr increased the catalase activities in liver and brain and decreased the lipid peroxide level in liver. Alcohol treatment tended to increase the lipid peroxide level in liver, but radon inhalation inhibited the level of that. The fat degeneration was exhibited in liver tissues after the administration of ethanol. These findings suggest that the radon inhalation activates the antioxidative function and alleviates the acute alcohol injury in mice. We similarly intend to discuss the levels of transaminase (liver function) in serum and acetaldehyde (oxidative damage) in liver.