Increased reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium by human blood monocytes following post-operative radiation therapy for breast cancer.

Reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium by blood monocytes was significantly increased following post-operative radiation therapy for breast cancer. Attachment and ingestion of yeast particles by monocytes was not affected. Exposure of purified monocytes in vitro to 13 Gy did not significantly affect NBT reduction of yeast particle attachment, whereas ingestion of yeast particles was slightly increased.