Adaptive Capacities of Lymphocytes in Techa Riverside Residents Chronically Exposed to Radiation

The micronuclear test was used to study cytogenetic effects in Techa riverside residents exposed to accidental irradiation (the study group) and residents of uncontaminated regions in the Southern Urals characterized by similar socio-economic status and health care standards (the control group). In the course of the study it was possible to assess the spontaneous level of damage to blood lymphocytes, the role played by the radiation factor in the induction of damage to blood lymphocytes, sensitivity of blood lymphocytes to acute irradiation, and their capacity for adaptive response. It has been shown that the baseline (pre-test) level of damage to lymphocytes observed in exposed residents does not differ significantly from the spontaneous level observed in residents of uncontaminated villages. Lymphocytes from exposed subjects have been noted to manifest reduced radiosensitivity and capacity for adaptive response as compared to controls. A conclusion is drawn that the chronic radiation exposure factor makes a major contribution to the formation of radiosensitivity and adaptive response induction in exposed persons.