Effect of ionizing radiation on development process of T-cell population lymphocytes in Chernobyl children

ABSTRACT

The aim of preliminary study was determined development process status of T-cell population lymphocytes in Ukrainian children after 22 years from Chernobyl accident for next feasibility study. 150 participants aged 6 to 16 years are included in three groups Group I [n=65], 30 to 60 km from center accident at zone 3th, Group II [n=65] 60 to 90 km from same location at zone 4[th] and control group [n=20] from Kiev, 100 km from same location. Peripheral blood leukocytes from buffy coats were analyzed for T-lymphocytes population such as T-lymphocytes [CD3], T-helper [CD4] and T-cytotoxic [CD8] by roseting method using erythrocytes that conjugated with monoclonal antibody against CD3, CD4, and CD8 receptors; then CD4/CD8 ratio were calculated. Percentage of CD3 and CD4 in groups II and I decreased significantly in compared to control group at P<0.001. Percent of CD8 decreased significantly in group I compared to control group at P <0.001. CD4/ CD8 ratio decreased significantly in-group I comparison to control group at P=0.02. Leucocytes count in groups II and I have not changed significantly in comparison to control group [P=0.09,P=0.4] but in group II, it was significantly different in comparison to group I at P <0.008. Our data show that after 2 decade of Chernobyl accident, ionizing radiation may have affected the developmental processes of T-cell population