Lung Cell Immune System Response Due to Irradiation by Alpha Particles

The danger from radon is commonly estimated using the linear no- threshold theory, which states that the risk of cancer is simply proportional to the amount of exposure. However, recent studies indicate that the linear theory may underestimate the damage done by radon. Others propose that the immune system response to this damage makes the linear theory an overestimation. This study attempts to address both the issue of damage and the possible immune response to that damage. L1210 mouse leukemia cells, and mouse lung and spleen cells were irradiated at different levels of exposure to alpha particles and their subsequent levels of reactive oxygen and B7-1 were measured through flow cytometry. The results support studies (T. Hei, et al.) showing increased levels of reactive oxygen at low doses of radiation, and thus a greater risk for cancer, but showed mixed evidence of immune system stimulation.