OBJECTIVETo study the protective effects of puerarin on 60Co-y-induced acute injury of sertoli cells of testis in mice and the mechanisms for its radiation protection.

METHODSForty male Wistar mice were randomly divided into four groups, i. e., the normal group, the model group, the low dose puerarin group, and the high dose puerarin group, respectively, 10 in each. The lower abdomen and scrotal area of mice were irradiated with a single dose of 8 Gy 60Co-gamma ray for 517 s in the model and two puerarin groups. Twenty-four h after modeling, different concentrations of puerarin (at the daily dose of 230 and 450 mg/kg respectively) were given to mice in the low and high dose groups by gastrogavage, once daily for two successive weeks. Equal volume of physiological saline was given to mice in the normal group and the model group, once daily for two successive weeks. The morphology of the testicular tissues was observed. The levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and inhibin beta were determined by ELISA. The relative expressions of Inhibin beta mRNA in the testicular tissues were determined by Real-time quantitative PCR.

RESULTSSertoli cells and spermatogenic cells were injured at different degrees in the model group. They were improved in the low and high dose puerarin groups, more obviously in the high dose puerarin group. Compared with the normal group, the level of serum FSH in the model group was significantly improved, while the serum level of Inhibin beta and the expression of Inhibin beta mRNA obviously decreased, showing statistical difference (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the levels of serum FSH, Inhibin beta, and the expression of Inhibin beta mRNA were significantly improved in the low and high dose puerarin groups (P<0.05), more obviously in the high dose puerarin group (P<0.01, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONChinese medicine monomer of puerarin had certain protective effects on 60Co-gamma-induced acute injury of Sertoli cells in mice.