Abstract
The effects of in vivo ultrasound irradiation of the spleen on immunological functions were assessed with an in vitro natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic assay. Anesthetized hamsters were exposed to 1 MHz ultrasound at intensity levels currently being used clinically for therapeutic diathermy and hyperthermia (1-5 W/cm2, for 500 sec with constant beam scanning). Hyperthermic levels in the spleen ranged from 38-43 degrees C. Significant depression of natural killer (NK) cell activity was seen 4 h after spleen irradiation as compared to sham irradiated and normal animals. A return towards normal levels was observed in experimental groups at 24 h after exposure. Sham and normal animals were not significantly different in NK activity, indicating no significant stress-related immunosuppressive effects due to handling. Differential leukocyte counts taken for each exposure condition showed significant lymphopenia at 4, 8, and 16 h after exposure, near normal levels at 24 h, and complete recovery by 48 h. The number of circulating mononuclear cells at 4 h showed a dose-related suppression as the exposure intensities were increased.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
