Quantitative characteristics of splenic mast cells of laboratory mice following experimental X-ray irradiation

BACKGROUND: The quantitative and morphofunctional characteristics of mast cells can serve as an indicator of tissue reactivity in response to radiation exposure, as well as a criterion for compensatory-adaptive processes after irradiation and the use of radioprotectors. AIM: The work aimed to present the morphofunctional and quantitative characteristics of splenic mast cells of laboratory mice following fractionated total X-ray irradiation and oral administration of beta-D-glucan. METHODS: An experimental, single-center, prospective, controlled study was conducted. Spleen samples from laboratory mice (n = 23) were assessed. The population of mast cells was quantitatively assessed on histological sections of the spleen. The mice were divided into 5 groups: Group 1 included intact animals (n = 3); Group 2 included irradiated animals with a total absorbed dose of 7 Gy (n = 5); Group 3 included irradiated animals with a total absorbed dose of 7 Gy who received oral soluble beta-D-glucan 15 minutes before irradiation (n = 5); Group 4 included irradiated animals with a total absorbed dose of 18 Gy (n = 5); Group 5 included irradiated animals with a total absorbed dose of 18 Gy who received oral soluble beta-D-glucan 15 minutes before irradiation (n = 5). Samples were collected on days 14 and 30 after the start of experimental exposure. Samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, dehydrated in alcohol, and embedded in paraffin. The Romanowsky–Giemsa staining was used. The structure and number of mast cells were assessed on each histological slide. Statistical analysis of the findings was performed. RESULTS: The density of mast cells in the spleen of laboratory mice at an absorbed dose of 7 Gy changed insignificantly compared to the intact group. At a total absorbed dose of 18 Gy, there was a significant increase in the density and functional activity of mast cells. Beta-D-glucan administration before irradiation at a total absorbed dose of 7 Gy and 18 Gy reduced the number of mast cells by 2.5 times and 1.25 times, respectively, compared to irradiated animals without beta-D-glucan administration (Group 4). CONCLUSION: The density of mast cells in the spleen depends on the absorbed dose of X-ray irradiation. Beta-D-glucan administration 15 minutes before exposure reduces the density of mast cells, which can be considered a positive radioprotective effect.