In vivo proliferation of bone marrow stem cells of mice after combined long-term exposure to gamma radiation and acute exposure to X rays

The aim of this paper was to ascertain whether a long-term exposure to gamma radiation at low dose rates, comparable to the professional permissible dose, can modify the response of bone marrow stem cells to single acute irradiation. The study was carried out by the method of exogenous spleen colonization. Continuous exposure to Co60 gamma rays was applied at dose rates of 0,223 mGy x h-1 and 1,25 mGy x h-1. The duration of exposure was 30-105 days, accumulated doses within this time were 0.16-0,56 Gy respectively. After the exposure was completed the mice were subjected to acute X-rays irradiation at the doses of 0,5-4,0 Gy. It was found the bone marrow stem cells, capable to form clones in the spleens, respond to the dose effect as well as at very low its values. The effect estimated by changed responsiveness to acute irradiation depends to accumulated dose only. The higher is the accumulated dose during long-term irradiation the greater is diminishing of repopulating ability of bone marrow cells after following acute irradiation. 4 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab. (author)