Pecaut MJ, Baqai FP, Gridley DS. Impact of total-body irradiation on the response to a live bacterial challenge.
Int J Radiat Biol 2014;
90:515-26. [PMID:
24597753 DOI:
10.3109/09553002.2014.899445]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE
Concern regarding radiation effects on human health continues to increase worldwide. Given that infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after exposure, the aim of this study was to evaluate decrements in immune cell populations using a mammalian model subjected to a live bacterial infection.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
C57BL/6 mice were exposed to total-body irradiation (TBI) with 3 Gy protons (70 cGy/min). One, 2, 4, 8 or 16 days later, subsets of mice were injected intraperitoneally with live Escherichia coli [055:K59(B5)]. Control groups received no radiation and vehicle (no bacteria). The mice were euthanized for analyses 90-120 min after injection of the bacteria.
RESULTS
There were no unexpected effects of radiation or E. coli alone. Despite dramatic radiation-induced decreases in all leukocyte populations in both the blood and spleen, irradiated mice were still able to respond to an immune challenge based on capacity to generate an oxidative burst and secrete inflammatory cytokines, i.e., tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). However, these responses were generally elevated above control values.
CONCLUSIONS
Together, these results suggest the possibility for enhanced inflammation-associated tissue injury and increased risk for chronic inflammation.
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