Late Immunobiological Effects of Space Radiation
Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to obtain profiles of immune competence in primates more than 25 years following exposures to protons. The availability of irradiated animals provided a unique opportunity to study immune defects which could be relevant to astronauts and high flying pilots. The Delayed Radiation Effects Colony at Brooks Air Force Base provided blood samples. Antibody mediated immune function (associated with B-cell function) was assessed by measuring immunoglobulin levels, hemolytic complement activity and autoantibodies; cell mediated immune function (associated with T-cell function) was evaluated by measuring selected T and B cell activity plus response to mitogens and interleukin production. There were no significant differences between control and irradiated animals for most parameters measured in this preliminary survey, but lymphocyte proliferation tended to decrease as radiation dosage increased. Survivors of low and intermediate doses of proton irradiation apparently show few late immunobiological effects, which is encouraging. Additional monkeys will be measured in future confirmatory studies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA242590
Entities
People
- Michael L. Miller
- William H. Stone
Organizations
- Trinity University