Protection by α-tocopherol against skin ulcers induced by ionizing radiations

Abstract An in vivo study was carried out to determine the protective character of α-tocopherol against lesions caused by free radicals of ionizing radiation. Emulsified vehicles (o/w) were used at dosages of 1.5 and 2.5% w/w of α-tocopherol. To promote generation of free radicals, we used 6 MeV electrons from a lineal accelerator; a dosage of 2800 cGy was selected. The lesions were assessed according to the indications of the WHO, modified for such an effect. Biopsies of the treated areas were taken at the moment of maximum acute toxicity in order to subject them to an anatomopathological study, evaluating five parameters: thickness of epidermis, squamous metaplasia of the adnexa, overall impression, follicular atrophy and density of fibroblasts. The conclusions of this study indicate that under the experimental conditions used, α-tocopherol, applied topically, protects the skin from ionizing radiation, giving rise to a thicker epidermis than found in healthy animals.