Structure of condylar cartilage in white rats after 60-day sodium benzoate intake and exposure to ionizing radiation

Aim of the study is to investigate the structure of condylar cartilage of mandible in rats after 60-day of sodium ben-zoate intake and ionizing radiation exposure both separately and simultaneously and fnd possibility of correction of the alterations found with sea-buckthorn oil. Material and Methods. The study involved 240 white rats distributed into 8 groups. Animals received intragastric sodium benzoate in dosage of 1500 mg / kg of body weight and were exposed to ionizing radiation (total 4 Gr. in 4 sessions). Sea-buckthorn oil was used as the correction drug (300 mg / kg of body weight). Morphometry of the condylar cartilage included zones morphometry and relations of volume components. Results. Application of sodium benzoate resulted in the narrowing of proliferation and subchondral osteogenic zones and the decrease of amount of primary spongiosa and osteoblasts; in readaptation period the structure of the cartilage was gradually restored. Ionizing radiation led to similar alterations while restoration period was longer. Action of both sodium benzoate and ionizing radiation resulted in severe alteration with no restoration observed. Application of sea-buckthorn oil resulted in faster restoration of cartilage structure. Conclusion. Combined action of sodium benzoate and ionizing radiation resulted in severe alterations of the mandibular condylar cartilage structure. Application of sea-buckthorn oil reduces negative efects of the experimental conditions on morphological functional features of the mandibular condy-lar cartilage.