Radiation-induced effects on bone marrow of bank voles inhabiting the Chornobyl exclusion zone.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of chronic exposure to low-dose radiation on bone marrow (BM) hematopoiesis of bank voles inhabiting the radioactively contaminated territory of the Chornobyl exclusion zone.

Materials And Methods: Animals were collected within the highly radioactive area of the so-called Red Forest located close to the destroyed 4th reactor of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Radioecological investigations included evaluation of radiocontamination of soil samples by Sr and Cs, levels of incorporated radionuclides in animals' bodies and organs, as well as the absorbed dose rates.

Geno- and cytotoxic effects in bone marrow cells and peripheral blood induced by the prolonged administration of 131I to the laboratory rats.

Objective: to evaluate the state of to assess the state of hematopoietic system of experimental rats according to the geno and cytotoxic effects in bone marrow and changes in morphology composition of peripheral blood caused by prolonged 131I intake.

Materials And Methods: Within 15 days sodium iodide with activity of 29,3 kBq/animal was daily orally administered to Wistar rats. At 1, 2, 3, 7 and 15 days specific radioisotope activity, level of micronuclei in bone marrow cells, cyto toxicity index, number of erythrocytes and leucocytes in peripheral blood were determined.