Published May 1995 | Version v1
Journal article

Immunological effect of low dose radiation and its mechanism

  • 1. Norman Bethune Univ. of Medical Sciences, Dept. of Radiation Biology (China)

Description

A series of changes in the immune functions in mice were found after low dose radiation with either single X-rays or continuous γ-rays. The plaque-forming cell (PFC) reaction in the spleen was stimulated. The ratio of Ts to Th did not change. Neither Ts activity in the spleen induced by ConA nor the short life-span Ts activity of splenocytes and thymocytes was inhibited. The T cell functions were activated. DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in the response to ConA were significantly enhanced. The IL-2 production by the splenocytes also increased. Simultaneously, the contents of norepinephrine and epinephrine in the spleen increased and the concentrations of enkephalins in the hypothalamus markedly decreased. These results indicated that the changes of neuroendocrine regulative functions might be involved in the stimulatory effects of immune functions after low dose radiation

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Journal of Norman Bethune University of Medical Sciences
Journal Volume
21
Journal Issue
3
Journal Page Range
p. 223-226.
ISSN
0253-3707
CODEN
PEIPDB