Delayed Effects of Radiation on Some Trace Elements in Different Areas of Rats Brain

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that inspite of the radioresistant response of the brain tissue, yet irradiation even at lower doses can affect this tissue and the changes in the levels of some trace elements may be capable of explaining many toxic effects e, g. Parkinsonism is the result of manganese level changes. In this study we used two groups of adult albino rats of both sexes one as a control and the other was exposed to a single radiation dose of gamma rays (⁶⁰Co) 5 Gy, then some trace elements levels (Fe, Zn, Se, Rb and Br) were measured in the cerebrum, brain stem and cerebellum after a latent period of 2 months by using energy dispersive X-ray flourscenee (EDXRF) analysis. The iron, zinc, selenium and bromine have shown a significant drop in all the brain areas, while rubidium has not shown any change.