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Protective effects of interferon in mice previously exposed to lethal irradiation

Journal Article · · Radiat. Res.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3575402· OSTI ID:5244268
The radioprotective action of interferon (IF) in increasing the survival time of mice lethally irradiated 24 h previously was evaluated. A single intraperitoneal injection of 30,000 units of IF administered 1 day following a LD/sub 100/ dose of irradiation significantly prolonged the mean survival time of the animals. Multiple inoculations of IF given 1,3, and 5 days after irradiation only slightly increased the survival time over that observed in mice receiving single injections. Marked decreases in total number of splenocytes were observed in irradiated mice as well as in the mice receiving postirradiation IF therapy, whereas total peripheral white blood cell counts were not appreciably changed when evaluated 3 days after X irradiation. Natural lymphocyte killer activity of splenocytes from irradiated animals receiving IF was significantly increased, suggesting that the protective action of IF could be partially attributable to the boosting of some depressed immune functions.
Research Organization:
National Cancer Inst., Bethesda, MD
OSTI ID:
5244268
Journal Information:
Radiat. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Radiat. Res.; (United States) Vol. 81:2; ISSN RAREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English