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Title: THE EFFECTS OF PRETREATMENT WITH X RAYS ON THE PATHOGENESIS OF LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS IN MICE. I. HOST SURVIVAL, VIRUS MULTIPLICATION, AND LEUKOCYTOSIS

Journal Article · · Journal of Immunology (U.S.)
OSTI ID:4816812

The over-all protective effect of different x-ray doses, the duration of the protective effect, and the effect of irradiation upon the peripheral leukocyte count and the virus titer were studied using 2 strains of virus and 3 strains of mice. Groups of mice received doses of x rays through the range of 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 800 r. One day after exposure to irradiation, one- half of each group was given an inoculation of 10/sup 4/LD/sub 50/ of the virus and the mice were then observed for 28 days for signs of disease and mortality. Under optimal conditions, 500 r protected for 4 to 8 days; this period coincided with severe leukopenia. X irradiation caused a slight increase in virus titer in brain and blood, while eliminating signs of disease. The period of protection following x-ray treatment coincides with the period of severe leukopenia, suggesting that white blood cells may be the agents responsible for the signs of disease. Lymphocnic infiltration of the infected tissues was inhibited by the x- ray treatment. The conclusion is made that infection with the virus used is intrinsically harmless, and the protective effect of x rays is due to a suppression of the disease-producing immune response of the host resulting in a state of tolerant immunity similar to immunological paralysis. (H.H.D.)

Research Organization:
New York State Dept. of Health, Albany
NSA Number:
NSA-16-020271
OSTI ID:
4816812
Journal Information:
Journal of Immunology (U.S.), Vol. Vol: 87; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-62
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English