Effects of radiation on the production of immunoglobulins in children subsequent to the Chernobyl disaster.

Studies on the immediate and long-term effects of radiation on the B-system immunity of children who were affected by radiation after the Chernobyl disaster (from 1986-1992) are summarized in this paper. Complete clinical and immunological examination of more than 6000 children have been carried out. The dynamics of the immune system, with ongoing reactions of cell proliferation and differentiation, gene amplification, transcription, translation, biosynthesis and switching production of isotypes and subclasses of immunoglobulins, as well as specific and nonspecific (natural) antibodies, make it highly susceptible to the action of radiation in addition to other ecological factors.