Protective action of peanut oil in rats exposed to gamma-rays

The present study aims to clarify the role of peanut oil as a radioprotector in male albino rats against oxidative stress and bone injury induced by ã-radiation. Rats were subjected to a dose of 5Gy, over an exposure time of 133sec, at a dose rate 3.759rad/sec. Prior to irradiation, rats received peanut oil subcutaneously, (0.75mL/kg) over a one month period, on three days/week. Serum and bone mineral contents were estimated, and serum protein, cholesterol and creatinine concentrations were determined. We also investigated some enzyme activities as well as hormonal calcium control. It seems that the deleterious effects of exposure to ã-radiation on most estimated parameters affecting Ca metabolism can be controlled to some extent by peanut oil administration prior to irradiation.