Metabolic effects of indomethacin in irradiated rats

The effect was studied of indomethacin on serum glucose, insulin, thyroid hormones and corticosterone and on liver glycogen in 9 Gy whole-body gamma irradiated rats. In the first experimental setting, indomethacin was administered subcutaneously in the dose of 4 mg/kg body weight 24 hours before irradiation and sham irradiation, and the analyses were performed 48 hours after irradiation. In the second setting, indomethacin was administered by the same route immediately, 24, 48, and 72 hours after exposure and sham exposure, the analyses were completed 120 hours after irradiation. Control groups were treated with phosphate buffer. Indomethacin inhibited partially the radiation-induced increase in serum glucose and corticosterone in both settings and an increase in liver glycogen in the first one. Indomethacin administration had no effect on serum insulin levels, but it decreased serum thyroxine concentration in irradiated and non-irradiated rats in the second setting. The administration of indomethacin to irradiated animals led to various metabolic alterations. (author). 3 figs., 23 refs