Effects of Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors on the Radiation Response of Intestinal Crypt Cells in Male Mice

Abstract

The effects of varying doses of different types of Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors on irradiated and nonirradiated murine intestinal crypt cells were investigated. Cell counts, supported by data from TUNEL assay and immunohistochemical analyses, revealed that apoptosis was greatest in irradiated tissues treated with NSAIDS. Irradiated cells treated with COX-2 inhibitors showed least occurrence of apoptosis with increased occurrence of regenerating cells. Results suggest a potential role of COX- 2 selective inhibitors as a radioprotective agent for normal cells in radiation therapy.