This study was done to investigate the effects of 5-Fluorouracil(5-FU) and transient superficial mechanical irritation on the cheek, intestinal mucosa and bone marrow of golden syrian hamster.
Each group of animals were treated with 5-FU(60㎎/㎏) followed by mechanical irritation. On the days 0, 2, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17 and 20 after treatment, the animals were sacrificed for blood leukocyte and platelet count and microscopic examination of the cheek pouch and intestinal mucosa.
The results obtained from this study were as follows :
1. The mucositis and ulceration with central areas of necrosis were not observed on the left cheek mucosa without irritation and intestinal mucosa but observed on the right cheek mucosa with irritation macroscopically.
2. Histologically, inflammatory cell infiltration and epithelial disruption characterized by frank ulceration with central areas of necrosis were observed at early stages in the 5-FU treated group. The induced mucositis was healed at late stages.
3. White blood cell counts were nadir on the 10th day after the initial injection of 5-FU, with subsequently gradual recovery, but platelet counts were not changed during experimental period significantly.
4. About 18% of weight loss was noted by 5-FU injection.
These results suggest that the mucositis was induced by 5-FU injection combined with mechanical irritation and its severity was closely related with the decrease of leukocyte counts.
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