ionizing radiation- delayed type hypersensitivity- grape seed extract – interferon gamma- oxazolone.

The main aim of the study was to assess the role of grape seed extract in gamma radiation-induced impact on delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to oxazolone in Swiss albino mice. Eight groups each of ten have been used. Four groups have exploited to assess the effect of grape seed, gamma radiation and both on the induction of contact sensitivity and four other groups have been utilized to evaluate the effect of grape seed, gamma radiation and both on the elicitation of contact hypersensitivity. In each group, one was used as a control, the second received 2 Gy gamma irradiation 24 hr before the induction or the elicitation phase using the mouse ear swelling test (MEST). Third group was maintained on oral grape seed extract (0.1%), and a fourth was maintained on grape seed extract (0.1%) and received with total body irradiation (2Gy). At the end of the experiment sera from all groups were tested for total antioxidant and dismutase activities and gamma interferon level. Data showed that exposure to gamma irradiation had a negative impact on DTH response to oxazolone whether the exposure was before the elicitation or the induction phase. Data also showed that radiation was associated with a significant mounting of serum total antioxidant, dismutase activity, gamma interferon. Grape seed extract was able to restore the DTH response of irradiated mice to the control value. This was associated with a decline in serum total antioxidant, dismutase activity and gamma interferon in comparison to gamma irradiated animals.