Sex-dependent effects of genetic upregulation of activated protein C on delayed effects of acute radiation exposure in the mouse heart, small intestine, and skin.

ABSTRACT: Accidental exposure to ionizing radiation may lead to delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE) in many organ systems. Activated protein C (APC) is a known mitigator of the acute radiation syndrome. To examine the role of APC in DEARE, we used a transgenic mouse model with 2- to 3-fold increased plasma levels of APC (high in APC, APCHi). Male and female APCHi mice and wild-type littermates were exposed to 9.5 Gy γ-rays with their hind-legs (bone marrow) shielded from radiation to allow long-term survival. At 3 and 6 months after irradiation, cardiac function was measured with ultrasonography. At 3 months, radiation increased cardiac dimensions in APCHi males, while decreases were seen in wild-type females. At this early time point, APCHi mice of both sexes were more susceptible t

SUBMITTER: Sridharan V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8143413 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature