Objective:

2

To investigate the effect of a modified Wuzi Yanzong Pill (五子衍宗丸

WZYZP) on the male rats' testis after microwave radiation

as well as its potential mechanism.

Methods:

2

Forty-five male rats were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group

the radiation group

and the WZYZP group. The rats in the radiation group and WZYZP group were exposed to microwave radiation for 15 min once

while the rats in the control group were not exposed to any radiation. The rats in the WZYZP group were given a modified of WZYZP by gavage daily for 7 days. Apoptosis in the testis was evaluated using terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Histopathological alterations of the testis were observed by haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Tat-interactive protein

60kD (Tip60) and p53 expressions were determined by Western blotting.

Results:

2

The apoptosis index (AI) in the radiation group was higher than that of the WZYZP group and control group on day 1 (D1)

day 7 (D7) day 14 (D14) after radiation (

P

<

0.05). The seminiferous tubules were of normal morphology in the control group. In the radiation group

the partial seminiferous tubules were collapsed

basement membranes of the seminiferous epithelia became detached. WZYZP could restore the morphological changes. There was no expression of Tip60 among the three groups on D7 and D14. The expression of p53 was higher in the radiation group than in the control group (

P

<

0.05). WZYZP could down-regulate the rising p53 induced by radiation on D7 and D14 (

P

<

0.05).

Conclusion:

2

A modified WZYZP may affect germ cells

and its protective effects may partly result from its ability to intervene in Tip60 mediated apoptosis.