The effects of low dose 60Co γ-ray on the plasma membrane of human lymphocytes

This paper reports the functional and structural changes induced by low dose of 60Co γ-Ray on the plasma membrane receptors of human peripheral blood lymphocytes. (1) There was an obvious decrease in the percentage of E active rosette forming cells (Esub(a)) after irradiation with 25 rads (p < 0.01), but no further decrease after irradiation with 100 rads. (2) The percentage of mouse erythrocyte rosette forming cells (Msub(E)) decreased significantly after irradiation with 25 rads (p < 0.01) and the decreament was more significant at 100 rads. (3) The number of Ssub(m)Isub(g)G lymphocytes decreased at 25 rads too, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.01) since the dosage reached 100 rads. (4) An abnormal protrusion of plasma membrane was observed under transmission electron microscope, but no abnormality of the nuclei of lymphocytes was observed at 100 rads. These findings suggest that the plasma membrane of lymphocytes might be one of the main sensitive target in irradiation