[State of the lymphoid tissue of tracheobronchial lymph nodes in rats after incorporation in respiratory organs of low-transportable Pu-239].

After single inhalation exposure of rats to low transportable 239Pu the alpha-irradiation doses in tracheo-bronchial lymph nodes (TBLN) were one order of magnitude lower than those in lung. The reduction of cell population in TBLN was observed in late (12-18 month after) post-inhalation period. Dose-response curve for the reduction (as a whole for 12 month) were presented as a line function. Functional abilities of these cells were less damaged and observed in different periods after inhalation. As one of the probable mechanisms of different radiation damage to cells in TBLN population, a variety in their spatial distribution is discussed.