Effects of N-acetylcysteine on life shortening induced by chronic low dose-rate gamma-ray exposure in mice

Background: the development of methods to alleviate radiation-induced health effects is important for the practical use of radiation therapy and for understanding the molecular mechanisms mediating these effects. here, we examined the protective capability of n-acetylcysteine (nac) on life-shortening effects induced by continuous low dose-rate gamma-ray exposure in mice. materials and methods: female b6c3f1 mice were exposed to gamma-rays for 400 days at a dose rate of 20 mgy/day beginning at 8 weeks of age. control unexposed mice and exposed mice were divided into two groups; the first was provided with regular water, and the second was administered 40 mm nac during the exposure period. results: although nac administration did not affect the life span of non-irradiated mice (p = 0.232), a 59-days life extension was observed in the exposed group (p = 0.0177). moreover, radiation exposure and nac treatment affected body weight. the reduction of body weight observed in nac treated mice was associated with a reduction in water intake. conclusion: our data demonstrated that the life-shortening effects of chronic low dose-rate radiation exposure in mice were alleviated by nac administration.