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Selective immunosuppression by radiation

Conference ·
OSTI ID:4066684

The historical aspects of selective irradiation of lymphocytes are reviewed as well as the problems concerned with dosimetry and the radiosensitivity of circulating blood elements other than lymphocytes. The possibilities of perturbations in steady-state lymphocytopoiesis which might be triggered by products of radiation-induced cell death are presented; however, the parameters investigated thus far, such as the degree of lymphocytopenia, thoracic duct lymphocyte output, and cell-cycle times of thoracic duct lymphocytes, have failed to reveal any such perturbations. Studies in adrenalectomized calves have failed to confirm the notion that lymphocytopenia after extracorporeal irradiation of blood and lymph might primarily be accounted for by stress-induced corticosteroid hormonal activity. Of the various techniques, only local-graft irradiation and extracorporeal irradiation of blood (ECIB) have found clinical application. The results obtained are encouraging and indicate a need for additional, well-controlled clinical trials, especially concerning the role of ECIB as an adjunct to standard immunosuppressive therapy. The experimental results with extracorporeal irradiation of lymph have also established the potential of this technique for clinical application. There is an urgent need for studying the influence of irradiation on various subpopulations of lymphocytes with regard to their functional capabilities and in particular with regard to their reproductive potential. Possible influence of selective blood irradiation on circulating stem cells in blood needs to be evaluated. (auth)

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY; Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, Wash. (USA); USAEC Division of Biomedical and Environmental Research, Washington, D.C.
NSA Number:
NSA-33-023511
OSTI ID:
4066684
Report Number(s):
CONF-740930--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English