Adaptive response of lymphocytes in a human population sample

This work was aimed at gaining information about the frequency of observation of the adaptive response (AR) in lymphocyte samples taken from of a group of healthy adult human volunteers. The second aim was to assess the influence of the adapting, low tritium dose upon the type of response. Combined irradiation by two radiation doses - a first, low dose from tritium and subsequently a high gamma-dose from 60Co was used to reveal the AR. Two experiments were performed. The results of this study show the importance of taking into account the possibility of a synergic response after combination of more subsequent doses of radiation, especially in the low-dose region. This needs further attention to pay as the contemporary limits in radiation protection are accepted under the premise of additive effects of repeated doses, but, the question arises if these limits include an acceptable safety for individuals whose tissues may react synergically. (authors)