Radiation-induced enterocolitis: Basic and applied science

We adapted and introduced in our laboratory a simplified animal model of ra diation-induced enterocolitis. After a shielding of the parenchymatous orga ns, our dose-response studies revealed that 20 Gy x-ray radiation resulted in about 20% mortality and reproducible lesions in the terminal ileum and p roximal colon. These changes are optimal for pharmacologic studies since th ey may be decreased or aggravated by drugs. Sucralfate dose-dependently dec reased the clinical signs of enterocolitis (e.g., lethargy, diarrhea) as we ll as the number and area of ileal and colonic erosions and ulcers. The wet weight of the ileum and colon were also decreased by sucralfate. bFGF at t he small doses used exerted a beneficial effect only on a few of the parame ters of enterocolitis. Thus sucralfate, and maybe bFGF, might decrease the severity and accelerate the healing of radiation-induced enterocolitis.