Ozbilgin, MKOnal, TOzcan, CTemel, EAktas, CGareveran, MSUluer, ETLimn, SKurtman, C2025-04-102025-04-100884-6812http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14701/41755Objective: To determine the role of cyclooxygenase (COX) expression in the urothelium of the urinary bladder during radiation injury caused by pelvic radiotherapy for cancer therapy. Study Design: Twenty-four male Swiss Albino mice were separated into 4 groups. The first group was the control group (Group 1) and the second, third, and fourth groups were euthanized after 24 hours (Group 2), 48 hours (Group 3), and 7 days (Group 4), respectively. A single-fractioned 10 Gy of ionizing radiation was applied to all mices pelvic zone with Co-60. Bladders were removed completely from the pelvic region. Histochemical analysis using hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical analysis using anti-COX-1 and COX-2 antibodies were performed on tissue samples. The immunoreactivities of the urinary bladder were quantified using H-score measurement, and statistical comparison was performed. Results: In the immunohistochemical examination the COX-1 immunoreactivities were found to be higher in the urothelium of the bladder in the radiation exposed groups than in the normal control group (group 1) (p<0.005). Additionally, high immunoreactivity of COX-2 molecule was established in groups 2, 3, and 4 of radiation groups as compared to group 1 (p<0.005) in examination of the urothelium. COX-1 and COX-2 immunoreactivities in the submucosa were detected higher in group 4 than in the other groups (p<0.005). Conclusion: COX-1 and COX-2 expressions in the urothelium and subepithelium of the urinary bladder were investigated in mice during the acute radiation response. The expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in the urothelium seems to prevent bladder damage from radiation, supplying differentiation and restoration of the urothelium.EnglishArticle