Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in radiation-induced oral mucositis in rats

Objective: To detect the mRNA and protein levels of COX-2 in the tissues with radiation- induced oral mucosa(ROM) in rats and explore the mechanism of COX-2 in ROM. Methods: The Sprague- Dawley (SD) rat model of ROM was established. Both sides of buccal mucosa were excised. The cDNA of COX- 2 was synthesized using the semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The Streptavidin-Biotin-Complex Method (SABC Method) was employed to determine the localization, intensity and distribution of COX-2 protein expression. Results: The SD rat model of ROM was established. The results of RT-PCR showed that mRNA of COX-2 could be expressed in the left buccal mucosa but rarely in the right buccal mucosa. Immunohistochemical analysis of COX-2 demonstrates that COX-2 protein can be expressed in the left side mucosa. Conclusions: The mRNA and protein of COX-2 can be expressed in the mucosa of ROM. The expressions of COX-2 have correlation with the severity of ROM. (authors)