Effect of grape procyanidin on the abnormal expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax protein in pancreas cells irradiation with gamma rays

Objective To investigate the effect of grape procyanidin (GPC)on the cell apoptosis and expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax protein in pancreas cells of mice irradiated with gamma rays. Method GPC was intragastrically administrated to the mice and then irradiated with ~ 60 Co-γ rays 5 times per week for 4 weeks, dose was 2.5 Gy in total. All mice were executed on the second day after the last irradiation. Three indices including expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein and ultrastructure of pancreas cells were examined. Result The Bcl_2 expression rate was 51.1% in the GPC protection group, higher than that in the irradiated control group. Bax expression, however, was lower than that in the irradiated control group. All the differences mentioned above were statistically significant (P0.01). Injury to cell ultrastructure was alleviated in the GPC protection group. Conclusion The present study showed that GPC can inhibit radiation-induced cell apoptosis and abnormal expression of Bcl_2 and Bax protein in pancreas cells, and can prevent from chronic radiation injury. ;