Abstract
The immune response to various high doses of Ionizing Radiation (IR) is investigated in this study compared to the non-irradiated group and other immunosuppressive conditions. Thirty rats were divided into six different groups. Group I received no radiation or medications. Groups II, III, IV, and V were subjected to the entire body to 1, 2, 3, and 5 Gray (Gy) of IR. Cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally to Group VI. Serum levels of Interleukin-2/1-beta, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Interferon-gamma (INF-γ) were measured one day after irradiation. The immunosuppressive effect of cyclophosphamide reduced the majority of the evaluated parameters. When high doses of IR, notably greater than 1Gy, were investigated, all measured parameters increased consistently. Finally, high doses of IR amplify essential pro-inflammatory responses and cannot be used to suppress the immune system in a single dose. More research is needed to clarify immune responses and their therapeutic potential in response to high or low IR doses.