[Quantitative, functional and cytogenetic characteristics of lymphocytes and various indicators of immunity in persons participating in the decontamination work at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant].

Immunologic and cytogenetic investigations conducted in subjects, who had been engaged in liquidation of consequences of the Chernobyl NPS catastrophe, during the first months after their work was finished, showed decreased content of large granulo-containing lymphocytes and serum IgM in the blood, their levels were completely recovered 3 years later. A complex of unfavourable factors attending radiation (stress, changes in the way of life, chemical actions etc.) played an important role in the genesis of these changes.