[Informative value of erythrocyte function in the assessment of ionizing radiation effect]

Proposed are new quantitative criteria of the functional state of erythrocytes based on automated recording parameters of the acid hemolysis erythrogram. Extended analysis of adaptation of the red blood system in rats exposed to ionizing radiation (60CO, 1.25 MeV, 0.5, 1.0, and 6.0 Gy) pointed out that the normally existing stimulating effect of diuretic products on accumulation of juvenile cellular forms was not changed by the dose of 0.5 Gy but ceased after exposure to higher doses. A distinct interrelation (r = 0.83 and 0.61 at p < 0.003, respectively) was revealed between the number of low-resistant erythrocytes (EZR) and subsequent (4 to 7 days later) amount of reticulocytes in the norm and following exposure to 0.5 Gy of ionizing radiation. After exposure to 1.0 Gy and 6.0 Gy r values were below 0.3 at p > 0.2. A "reference cascade" of regression equations on the order of Rt = a + b x EZR could be developed for individual evaluation of different stages of impairment of one of the normal regulatory mechanisms of hemopoiesis in humans systematically exposed to ionizing radiation.