Activation of immunological network by chronic low-dose-rate irradiation in wild-type mouse strains: analysis of immune cell populations and surface molecules.

Purpose: To analyse the effects of chronic whole body low-dose-rate irradiation on the immune system in various wild-type mouse strains in comparison with the effects from acute high-dose-rate irradiation.

Materials And Methods: Wild-type mouse strains (C57BL/6, BALB/c, C3H/He, DBA/1, DBA/2 and CBA) were observed after chronic low-dose-rate gamma irradiation at 1.2 mGy hour(-1) by intensive analysis of immune cell populations and their various surface molecules, together with antibody-producing activity both with and without immunization by sheep red blood cells (SRBC).