Effects of traditional Chinese medicine Tenghuanglin on peripheral T and B lymphocyte subsets in microwave irradiated rats

Objective To observe the effect of Tenghuanglin (THL) on peripheral T and B lymphocyte subsets in microwave irradiated rats, and explore the protective effect of THL on injury to immunity induced by microwave irradiation and its mechanism. Methods Eighty healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=20): normal control group (CON), radiation group (RAD), radiation + Anduolin (positive control drug) treatment group (ADL), and radiation + THL treatment group (THL). Rats in ADL and THL groups received gavage of the individual drug once a day for 7 days, and then exposed to 30mW/cm2 microwave whole body for 15min. Rats in RAD group received same dose of microwave irradiation, and those in CON group received sham irradiation. The animals were sacrificed on 7th and 14th day after irradiation, and the changes in peripheral blood smear was observed, and CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets, and CD45RA+ B lymphocyte subset were determined. Results Fourteen days after irradiation, peripheral red bl