Radiation research
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Somatostatin analogs ameliorate intestinal injury after localized irradiation. This study investigated whether SOM230, a novel, metabolically stable analog with broad receptor affinity, reduces intestinal injury and lethality in mice exposed to total-body irradiation (TBI). Male CD2F1 mice were exposed to 7-15 Gy TBI. ⋯ SOM230 enhances animal survival whether administration begins before or after TBI; i.e., it is effective both as a protector and as a mitigator. The mechanism likely involves reduction of intraluminal pancreatic enzymes. Because of its efficacy and favorable safety profile, SOM230 is a promising countermeasure against radiation and should undergo further development.