[DNA-synthesis and DNA-repair in chronic rheumatism influenced by small doses of natural radioactivity (radon)].

Elevated natural radioactivity during a treatment at Badgastein (Austria) caused an increase in DNA-repair of lymphocytes of patients with ankylosing spondylitis and osteoarthritis. Semiconservative DNA-synthesis was remarkably lower after the treatment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and a small decrease was obtained also in lymphocytes of osteoarthritis patients. These effects are discussed in relation to late effects.