Effect of Gamma Radiation on Vascular Epithelial Growth Factor Receptors Expression in a Rat Kidney

Ionizing radiation generates side effects on normal tissues during radiotherapy. In order to evaluate the impairment of renal region, F344 rats were given wholebody gamma irradiation. All groups received a single dose of 6.5 Gy. Two weeks after whole body irradiation, organs and sera were collected for measuring the induced damage. Hematological analysis was accomplished in plasma. Most of components (RBC, WBC, Hb, etc.) showed marked decreases. Body weights and organ indices of the irradiated group decreased significantly compared with those of the control. Expression of molecules related apoptotic death showed unusual pattern and expression of VEGF-receptors on irradiated kidney was elevated higher than the control level. Taken together, ionizing radiation caused the injury in angiogenesis and vascularization on normal tissue. Noteworthy, VEGF action to renewal impairments caused by radiation can affect the activity of the Bcl 2 family, and VEGF and its receptors give rise to inhibition of the radiation-induced programmed cell death.