X-ray irradiation alters the actin cytoskeleton in murine lacrimal glands

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of X radiation on the distribution of filamentous actin (F-actin) in the mouse exorbital lacrimal gland. Materials and methods. Mice were divided into groups that received no radiation (n = 6) or one single exposure of 36 mGy of X radiation (n = 12). The animals were sacrificed after 4, 8 or 24 h. The lacrimal glands were stained with Hematoxylin/Eosin or Rhodamine-phalloidin and the filamentous actin arrangement was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Results. After 4 h of X-ray exposure there was an apparent increase in acini area and a decrease in the cortical F-actin content in secretory cells. This effect decreased gradually over time, returning to values close to the control after 24 h. Conclusion. This study shows that a 36mGy diagnostic X-ray dose affected reversibly the mouse exorbital lacrimal gland, suggesting that radiation used in diagnosis may induce changes on cell morphology due to actin remodeling.