[Ultrastructure of human peripheral blood lymphocytes as affected by extreme factors]

Characteristic features of ultrastructure of peripheral blood lymphocytes were studied in males aged 20-24 years performing hard muscular labour under emotional stress in unfavourable climate conditions. It was found that a prolonged exposure (> 3 mo) to the extreme factors brings about characteristic changes in ultrastructure of peripheral blood lymphocytes: a complicated shape of the lymphocytic nuclei, plasma membrane labilization, partial or total destruction of the mitochondrial cristae in most of the cells. It was suggested that all these changes were morphological criteria of reduced resistance of the body in response to extreme conditions. It was also established that autumn is less favourable for adaptation to extreme physical and climate conditions than summer.