THE INFLUENCE OF THERAPEUTIC IRRADIATION ON BLOOD AND PERIPHERAL LYMPH LYMPHOCYTES

Abstract

This paper reviews the changes of blood and peripheral

lymph lymphocytes induced by therapeutic ir·

radiation as given for a variety of lymphoid and nonlymphoid

neoplastic diseases. The irradiation brings

about an abrupt reduction of the numbers of blood

B and T lymphocytes. The number of lymphocytes

seems to be restored within a few months after irradiation,

while at least 3-S years appear to pass

before the number of blood T lymphocytes is restored.

The pattern of recovery seems to be the same

whether the thymus has been included in the field

of irradiation or not. In the adult organism, considerable

differences apparently exist between the capacities

for reproduction of B and T lymphocytes.

The number of lymphocytes in peripheral lymph is

also much reduced in the irradiated patient and

remains so for a long period. This is compatible with

the concept that migration from blood to peripheral

lymph is a feature quite specific for T lymphocytes.

These results are discussed in relation to the immune

defense against infection and autologous tumor, and

also in relation to the influence of radiotherapy on

the immune defect in Hodgkin's disease.