Clinical validation of a method for biological demonstration of low radiation levels by the densitometric-geometric parameters of peripheral blood lymphocytes

• Published in: Meditsinskaia radiologiia Vol. 36; no. 5; p. 21
• Main Authors: Ogandzhanian, E E, Pogosian, A S, Saakian, D G, Ogandzhanian, A A, Ambartsumian, S G, Dallakian, A M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Russia (Federation) 1991
• Subjects: Accidents; Armenia; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Humans; Karyometry - methods; Leukocyte Count - radiation effects; Lymphocytes - radiation effects; Lymphocytes - ultrastructure; Nuclear Reactors; Occupational Diseases - blood; Occupational Diseases - diagnosis; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Power Plants; Radiation Injuries - blood; Radiation Injuries - diagnosis; Time Factors; Ukraine; Armenia; Ukraine
• ISSN: 0025-8334

Karyometric analysis of blood lymphocytes of persons, exposed to low levels of radiation (up to 25 rem) during elimination of the consequences of the Chernobyl accident, has shown changes of lymphocyte densitometric-geometric parameters, characteristic for radiation exposure, observed in 188 of 294 examinees. The meaning of these statistically significant changes is the following: percentage of the level of large lymphocytes is on the decrease whereas that of average and small ones is on the decrease. There is also a parallel rise of values of the area and perimeter of a lymphocyte nuclear section. The above shifts were observed against a background of normal indices of the absolute number and a relative content of blood lymphocytes. Karyometric analysis of lymphocytes indicated signs of radiation exposure 1-33 mos. after irradiation at small doses. Cytogenetic verification of diagnosis has shown sensitivity of the karyometric method of biological demonstration [correction of bioindication], which can be recommended as an additional diagnostic test in chronic exposure to low levels of radiation for retrospective assessment.