The special cell effects and somatic consequences of exposure to low-dose radiation

Abstract

The present work presents the peculiar form of a tissue post-irradiation reaction, characterised by a massive dose-independent transition of cell populations to the steady-state modification with increased cell damage and cell loss probability compared with the probability level of the same alterations in control. The X-ray irradiation at a dose of 0.5 Gy as well as at higher doses, 2.25 and 4.5 Gy, produces in rat myocardium capillary endotheliocytes specific potential changes: a long-term increase of the yield of cells with signs of an irreversible damage. The experimental data suggest that epigenetic mechanisms occur in the induction and preservation of these alterations. The discovered form of cellular reaction observed in different biological objects may be considered as a general biological tendency. This effect does not increase with the dose, and is not subjected to reparation throughout the most part of the animal lifespan. It is suggested that the changes revealed might play a role in the development of remote vascular pathology after effects of low-dose irradiation (including that in post-accident situations).