Effects of Total-Body X-Irradiation on Peritoneal Cells of Mice

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Abstract
Total-body X-irradiation was found to alter the number and distribution of cells in the peritoneal cavity of unstimulated LAF1 mice. Unirradiated controls yielded 6 to 8 x 106 mononuclear cells, about 30% of which were macrophages, and 70% small and medium lymphocytes. After exposure to a wide range of X-ray doses (90 to 1190 R), macrophage counts remained essentially unaltered or decreased gradually to about 50% of the control value. The number of lymphocytes in the peritoneal cavity decreased sharply within 24 hrs. after every dose employed and then declined further at a more gradual rate. Both the initial and the subsequent disappearance of lymphocytes increased in severity with increasing exposure. During the first week postirradiation, a linear relation existed between the percentage of lymphocytes in the peritoneal cell population and the X-ray dose. After all the exposures used, the loss of lymphocytes was several times as great in the peripheral blood as in the peritoneal cavity. However, peritoneal lymphocytes could be divided on the basis of size into 2 cell populations which differed in their response to total-body X-irradiation. The small peritoneal lymphocytes were more sensitive and disappeared to essentially the same extent as circulating lymphocytes. Medium peritoneal lymphocytes were affected significantly less.