[Influence of gamma irradiation on the chemiluminescence of alveolar macrophages in guinea pigs at rest or activated].

The capacity of Guinea Pig alveolar macrophages to produce oxygenated free radicals after in vitro gamma irradiation was studied. We observed an increase of resting cell chemiluminescence with 3 Gy, then an important decrease from 3 Gy to 30 Gy. Chemiluminescence of zymosan activated macrophages was reduced at 10 Gy and 30 Gy, while activation by IgG anti-MHC antigens was not affected by the same radiation doses. These results could be of great interest for the study pulmonary defense mechanisms after irradiation.