THE EFFECTS OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY ON RADIATION INDUCED PAROTID DAMAGE

Xerostomia is one of the important late adverse effects of radiation therapy. The mechanism by which radiation affects the salivary gland is unknown. Free radicals and DNA damage is probably the main mechanism. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has a useful impact on radiation induced complications. In this study the effects of HBO on salivary gland damage is evaluated by histochemistry. Male Whistar rats were given 20 Gy irradiation to the parotid region. Animals were divided into control and HBO groups, HBO group received 2.6 ATA HBO for 30 days. At 60, 75 and 90th days, parotid gland sections were evaluated with hematoxylen-eosin staining. HBO induced epithelial regeneration and vascularization, whereas basal membrane thickening and fibrosis were reduced (p<0.05). We conclude HBO may be an effective treatment for radiation induced salivary gland damage.

Keywords: hyperbaric oxygen, parotid gland, xerostomia