Clinical Pediatric Hematology-Oncology  2018;25(1):50-55

doi:10.15264/cpho.2018.25.1.50

Effects of Low- or Moderate-dose Whole Body-X-ray Radiation on the Immune System of C57BL/6 Mice.

Yunmi KO 1 ; Yeon Ho JEONG ; Jun Ah LEE

Affiliations

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Keywords

Low-dose; X-ray; Radiation; Immune system; Mice

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

PURPOSE: Increase in the use of diagnostic imaging or occupational exposure to radiation have brought upon concerns on the safety and biological effects of low- or moderate-dose radiation. However, limited information is available on the effects of low or moderate dose radiation on human health. METHODS: Using C57BL/6 mice, we aimed to evaluate the biological effects of low- and moderate-dose radiation on the immune system. X-rays was chosen as a radiation source and we analyzed complete blood counts, various lymphocyte subsets and various cytokine levels after single fraction x-ray exposure (0.1 Gy, 1 Gy). RESULTS: No significant changes in the immunologic parameter of C57BL/6 mice were observed after radiation, except LIX (a cytokine equivalent to human CXCL5), that showed higher level after 0.1 Gy radiation compared to the control. CONCLUSION: We observed that a single fraction of low or moderate dose of X-ray radiation does not cause significant changes in the immune system of C57BL/6 mice. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanism underlying our results.