PROSTAGLANDINS AS BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS OF RADIATION-INJURY TO THE SALIVARY-GLANDS AFTER I-131 THERAPY

Because salivary glands, as well as thyroid tissue, are able to concen trate radioiodine, the treatment of thyroid diseases with iodine-131 m ay have secondary effects on salivary gland function which seriously i mpair the quality of life. Such effects include sialoadenitis and xero stomia. Salivary secretion is stimulated by prostaglandins (PGs). In t his study we evaluate whether I-131 therapy influences the levels of P Gs in saliva. Patients who had previously received I-131 for treatment of hyperthyroidism or differentiated thyroid cancer and healthy volun teers were studied. Levels of PGs [6-oxo-PGF(1 alpha), bicyclo-PGEm, t hromboxane B-2 (TXB2), PGF(2 alpha)] in unstimulated saliva were measu red using enzyme immunoassay. Significantly lower levels of 6-oxo-PGF( 1 alpha) bicyclo-PGEm and PGF(2 alpha) and higher levels of TXB2 were found in the group of patients in comparison with the controls. Differ ences between patients and controls were more pronounced in smokers. T his study demonstrates that salivary gland uptake of I-131 significant ly affects PG levels in saliva.