Biological Defense and Adaptation Induced by Low Dose Radiation

The present paper reviews recent experimental data obtained from studies on stimulation of immune functions and induction of cytogenetic adaptive response by low level radiation. An attempt is made to integrate recent observations in the author's laboratory. Emphasis is given to the effects of single and chronic whole-body irradiation (WBI) with X- or γ-rays. A schematic diagram of the interactions of the immune cells after low dose radiation is proposed to elucidate the possible cellular mechanism of the stimulatory effect of low dose radiation on immunity. Experimental data on the dose-effect relationship of induction of cytogenetic adaptive response in somatic and germ cells by single and chronic whole-body irradiation are presented. In the analysis of the molecular mechanism of the stimulatory effect of low dose radiation the activation of signal transduction pathways and induction of genes related to cell survival and proliferation are emphasized. The implications of the existing data are discussed and future investigations for the elucidation of possible common molecular basis of stimulation of biological defense and adaptation by WBI with low doses are suggested.