Stimulatory effects of single low-level irradiations with X-rays on functions of murine peritoneal macrophages

A number of epidemiological and experimental data indicate that exposures to low doses of low-LET ionising radiation may trigger the activity of natural anti-tumour immune mechanisms and inhibit tumour growth. In the present study, we assessed the cytotoxic activity and production of nitric oxide, superoxide anions, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in peritoneal macrophages collected from BALB/c mice exposed to single whole-body irradiations with 0.1, 0.2, or 1.0 Gy X-rays. The results indicate that all the tested parameters were significantly up-regulated in macrophages obtained from mice exposed to 0.1 or 0.2 Gy X-rays but not in those collected from the sham-irradiated and 1.0 Gy-exposed animals.