Novel radioprotectant drugs for sparing radiation-induced damage to the physis.

Purpose: To determine if pentoxifylline, interleukin 1α, selenium and misoprostol can minimize damage to physeal longitudinal growth during single radiation dose exposure in an animal model.Materials and methods: Eighty‐seven weanling Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into 15 drug/dose groups. All groups received a single 17.5‐Gy gamma‐irradiation exposure to the right knee, the left limb serving as an internal control. Pentoxifylline was injected 30 min before exposure, sodium selenite and interleukin 1α 24 h before exposure and misoprostol 2 h before exposure. Positive controls received 17.5 Gy. At 6 weeks, animals were sacrificed, the hind limb lengths were measured and detailed histomorphometric analysis was performed.Results: Statistically significant reductions (p≤0.03) in mean limb length discrepancy compared with irradiation alone were seen following administration of pentoxifylline (50 mg kg−1), interleukin 1α (15 mcg kg−1), selenium (5 mg kg−1) and misoprostol (20 mg kg−1). Histomorphometric e...