Changes in the unconditioned and conditioned reflex leukocytic reactions following roentgen irradiation

Summary

Experiments were staged on 6 dogs. A study was made of the unconditioned and conditioned-reflex leukocytic reactions (with electrocutaneous reinforcement), as well as of the background variations of the leukocyte count prior to and after a single total x-ray irradiation of the animals with the doses of 600, 50 and 3 r. During the first day (hours) after the irradiation, an inversion of the leukocytic reactions and of the leukocytic background was noted. During the first minutes after the stimulation leukopenia developed, instead of leukocytosis (as it was in the case prior to the irradiation). Variations in the leukocyte count were characterized by a decreased (600 r) or, conversely, increased (50 r, 3 r) amplitude. With low irradiation doses functional disturbances of the blood system activity could occur in the peripheral blood and bone marrow in the absence of morphological changes. It is quite possible that the functional hematological tests may be of diagnostic significance in radiation affections.