Effect of chronic low level radiation on lectin-induced lymphocyte transformation

As part of a comprehensive study of the effect of chronic irradiation on leukemogenesis, we have assessed the immune status of dogs subjected to such irradiation. For this purpose, we found that the whole blood lymphocyte stimulation test (WB/LST) was a more sensitive test and required much less blood. Radioresistant populations were observed. PHA-stimulated lymphocytes showed a profound reduction in response whereas the con-A-stimulated lymphocytes did not exhibit any changes. In dogs showing severe aplastic anemia, the con-A-stimulated lymphocytes were also affected. This dichotomy of immunologic response provides a radionale to explain radiation survival of specific individuals