MPG protection and goblet cell kinetics in mouse jejunum

Experiments were undertaken to study the goblet cell changes in the jejunum of mice irradiated in the presence and absence of the protective drug 2-mercaptopropionylglycine (MPG). One group of adult Swiss albino mice of 6 to 8 weeks was injected with the drug (MPG) intraperitoneally and a second group was injected with distilled water in the same manner and served as a control. 15-30 minutes after injection animals from both the groups were exposed to a Co-60 source to give a total dose of 1000 R at the rate of 25 R/min. Three animals from each group were sacrificed at different successive intervals. 5 micron paraffin sections of the jejunum were prepared and goblet cells were counted in the crypt and villus region. The results from the two groups were compared. The results from MPG treated mice indicated that there was a protection from the radiation-induced changes. The drug accelerated the regeneration process leading to the restoration of normal number of goblet cells by the last interval studies.