Glucan effect on the survival of mice after radiation exposure

The effect of glucan (beta-1,3-polyglucose) on the radiation-induced damage to the system of non-specific immunity in mice was investigated. A positive influence of glucan, administered before exposure to a dose of 200 R, on the following parameters of postradiation regeneration: white blood cell count (due mainly to increased granulocyte count), increased per cent of peroxidase-positive cells in bone marrow, increased mass and cellularity of the spleen was observed. Administration of glucan 5 days before exposure to 650 R of X-rays prolonged the mean survival time. Administration of the preparation after exposure to radiation had no significant effect on the survival time of mice. (author)