RADIATION EFFECTS ON IMMUNE MECHANISMS
Experiments were performed on pathogen-free Swiss albino mice to determine the repressive effect of ionizing radiation on immune mechanisms. In animals given sublethal doses of Co/sup 60/ gamma radiation by acute short-term exposure or by chronic long-term exposure at a low dose rate, ability to produce antibody was inhibited or abolished, and natural resistance and active and passive immunity to pneumococcal and Trichinella infections were severely depressed. It appears that the repression resulted from damage to the cellular defensive mechanisms of the host. Active immunity and natural resistance to influenza virus infections were not altered significantly by radiation. Exposure to radiation enhanced the severity of anaphylactic shock markedly in mice previously sensitized to tetanus toxoid and challenged with tetanus toxoid after radiation. Chronic exposure to radiation caused immediate increased sensitivity to fatal anaphylaxis. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, N.Y.; and Univ. of Tennessee, Memphis
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-017866
- OSTI ID:
- 4716097
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-6509; 0028-7628
- Journal Information:
- New York State Journal of Medicine (U.S.), Vol. Vol: 63; Other Information: BNL-6509. Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-63
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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