title: X-ray irradiation alters the actin cytoskeleton in murine lacrimal glands.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of X radiation on the distribution of filamentous actin (F-actin) in the mouse exorbital lacrimal gland.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mice were divided into groups that received no radiation (n = 6) or one single exposure of 36 mGy of X radiation (n = 12). The animals were sacrificed after 4, 8 or 24 h. The lacrimal glands were stained with Hematoxylin/Eosin or Rhodamine-phalloidin and the filamentous actin arrangement was analyzed by confocal microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 4 h of X-ray exposure there was an apparent increase in acini area and a decrease in the cortical F-actin content in secretory cells. This effect decreased gradually over time, returning to values close to the control after 24 h.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows that a 36 mGy diagnostic X-ray dose affected reversibly the mouse exorbital lacrimal gland, suggesting that radiation used in diagnosis may induce changes on cell morphology due to actin remodeling.
authors.affiliation: Morphological Sciences Department, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul , Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcelo Lazzaron
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Lamers
authors.forename: Dalva Maria
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Padilha
authors.forename: Lisiane
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bernardi
authors.forename: Heloisa Emilia
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: da Silveira
authors.forename: Anna Christina Medeiros
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Fossati
mesh_terms: D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000528:radiation effects*; D000818:Animals; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D014965:X-Rays
keywords: X-ray; biological effects; conventional radiography; exocrine gland; filamentous actin