ß-Glucan Ameliorates Gamma–Rays Induced Oxidative Injury in Male Swiss Albino Rats

1, 3β -D-Glucan is a natural polysaccharide derived from the cell walls of bakers yeast saccharomyces cerevsiae with immunoenhancing and potent antioxidant effects. This study investigated the pathways through which β-glucan gavage treatment (50mg/kg) exerts its effect on radiation-induced oxidative damage in male rats. ß-glucan was given orally to male rats; 3 hours post γ-irradiation at dose 5Gy, for 10 and 20 days postirradiation level were assayed, being remarkable indicators in cell oxidative stress. Results pointed out that irradiation at 5Gy significantly depressed all blood parameters, such as erythrocytes count (RBCs), hemoglobin content (Hb), hematocrit value (Hct), total leucocytes count and absolute lymphocytes and neutrophils counts. blood glutathione (GSH) level and conversely elevated level of serum ascorbyl radical (AsR), product of lipid peroxidation (MDA melanodialdehyde), triglycerides and cholesterol. Total leucocytes count and absolute lymphocytes and neutrophils counts, RBCs, Hb, Hct, blood GSH and serum MDA of irradiated animals receiving β-glucan administration were exhibited significant differences compared to the irradiated group. Marrow count and the percentage of viability and spleenocytes viability were also significantly decreased. β-glucan treatment accelerates recovery of cell damage induced by ionizing irradiation through its potential immune-enhancing activity and free radical scavenging ability that is partially mediated through stimulation of immunohaematological system thus could play a role in regulating irradiation complications.