Changes to cell membranes and their value as biological dosemeters. Radiation-induced membrane changes in the sublethal dose range. Immunological binding reactions in lymphocytes

In the study described here attempts were made to find an answer to the question as to whether former radiation victims could again be exposed to irradiation without thereby risking to border on the lethal dose range. In order to avoid any such hazards, the magnitude of the initial exposure must be immediately determined. It was to be clarified whether a dose-dependent loss of anti-IgG binding ability in the membranes of human lymphocytes could be extrapolated from relevant observations made in lymphocytes from the lymp nodes of mice. This immediate reaction undergoes no further changes for a period of 1 to 6 hours. The information ultimately desired was obtained in a stepwise procedure. This meant that the findings by OJEDA had first to be confirmed, before these results could be transferred to research on wholeblood and, finally, in vivo irradiation. In view of the fact that in the studies performed as yet a loss of antibody binding ability as a result of irradiation was observed for human lymphocytes in suspensions rather than in wholeblood, it cannot be ruled out that the plasma itself may offer some protection against irradiation. The future availability of a biological dosemeter based on membrane changes appears to depend solely upon the development of a skillful method of detection. (orig./MG)