title: The effects of ultraviolet C radiation on the ultrastructure of the liver cells of mole rats.
abstract: The aim of this study was to elucidate the ultrastructural changes in the liver cells of mole rats (Spalax leucodon) exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Thirteen mole rats used in this study were caught from nature. They were divided into four groups. The first group was separated as a control and was not given any radiation. The rest were exposed to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation for 7, 14, and 21 days. The electron microscopic examinations revealed that significant ultrastructural changes occurred in the liver tissue. These changes were the reduction in cytoplasmic organelles, dilatation in rough endoplasmic reticulum, impairment of nucleus membrane, and broadened and vacuolated mitochondria in the cytoplasm. Also, UVC radiation caused significant changes in liver enzymes of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gama-glutamiltransferase values. After long-term exposure to radiation, some excessive ultrastructural changes occurred. These results indicated that longer exposure to UVR would cause more ultrastructural effects on the liver cells and liver enzymes.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Molecular Biology , Gaziosmanpaşa University , Tokat , Turkey.
authors.forename: Saban
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tekın
authors.affiliation: b Department of Biology, Science Faculty , Ankara University , Ankara , Turkey.
authors.forename: Hüseyin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Türker
authors.affiliation: c Biology Education Department, Gazi Faculty of Education , Gazi University , Ankara , Turkey.
authors.forename: Turan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Güven
authors.affiliation: c Biology Education Department, Gazi Faculty of Education , Gazi University , Ankara , Turkey.
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yel
mesh_terms: D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000378:metabolism*; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008099:Liver / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D019577:Mole Rats; D051381:Rats; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase
keywords: Electron microscope; liver cells; mole rats; ultraviolet radiation