Clinical and experimental observations of peripheral blood leukocytes and nucleated bone marrow cells after local irradiation.

AIM: Aim of the study was to observe the impact of bone marrow damage induced by local irradiation on leukopenia.

METHODS

For the human study, five cancer patients received local radiation therapy. Bone marrow aspiration was conducted to measure nucleated cell count and 99mTc-Sc sulfur colloid ECT imaging was carried out to examine bone marrow function. For the animal study, fifty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 3 groups: non-irradiated control group (N.=10), abdomen irradiation group (irradiation area did not cover bone marrow) (N.=20), chest irradiation group (irradiation area covered bone marrow) (N.=20). Nucleated cell counts were taken after confirming onset of leukopenia.

RESULTS

Bone marrow of five patients proliferated normally. ECT imaging showed no abnormality in the pattern of red bone marrow distribution. Hematopoietic function was mildly active.

CONCLUSION

Suppressed myeloproliferative function does not fully account for irradiation-induced leukopenia.