p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling regulates vascular inflammation and epithelial barrier dysfunction in an experimental model of radiation-induced colitis.
BACKGROUND:: Microvascular injury and epithelial barrier dysfunction are rate-limiting aspects in radiation enteropathy. This study examined the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signalling in radiation-induced colitis in an experimental model. METHODS:: The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB239063 was administered to mice immediately before exposure to 20 Gy radiation. Leucocyte- and pla