-
=
Bo Boe
Vitlues thereafter in the course of the study. ‘The np Motyte COUTS Teli ba bebow control levels
inthe first few days, and remained at a level approximately 75 per cent of the control value
throughout most of the remainder of the observation period.
nthe Ronpelap and Ailmopinae groups the Fluctuations in Che fotal leukoeyte count were ac
counted for almost eatirely by changes tn the total neutrophile count, The Ronperth proup att
fered since the changes intotal leukocyte count were reflected almost equally in the lymphea
eyte and neutrophile count, The significance of this difference in response tn the two groups is
not apparent,
;
’
The platelet counts (Fig. 4.6) were not markedly depressed when the initiel counts were
taken during the third week. At the end of the third weck, however, the platelet count began ta
fall to reach a low of approximately 60 per cent of control levels at the end of the lourth week.
The value then returned to approximately the control level at the start of the seventh week,
f
7
oo
.
:
following which a second depression was noted. The platelet counts were at a level of 80 per
cent of the control value at the time of the last observation during the eighth post-exposure
Yo
I Le
week.
»
4.9
MONOCYTES AND EOSINOPHILES, ALL GROUPS
From Table 4.2 it is seen that the mean monocyte count for the Rongelap group rose abruplly from an early value below control levels to a well defined peak on day 12, following which
it fluctuated at values below the control level for the duration of the observation period. A
similar time trend was noted in the Ailinginae and Utirik groups.
The eosinophile count in the older age individuals, Rongelap group, rose from veryy low
levels observed on day 3 to values approximating 35 per cent of control during the second
week, where it remained from the third to the fifth week (Fig. 4.7). The counts then decreased
;
{P< 0.01), and remained at a value approximately 15 per cent o/ control throughout the remainder of the study. The time trend of response was similar in the younger age individuals,
however, changes in the younger age group were relatively greater if considered in terms of
the control values. Similar trends in eosinophile count were not evident in other exposure
troups.
—
-"
It is possible that the rise in eosinophiles represents that reported as occurring
. two
to three weeks after short-wave-length irradiation’.“
4.10 HEMATOCRIT, ALL GROUPS
The hematocrit vatues for all exposed groups are shown in Table 4.8 and in Fig. 4.8 (a detailed breakdown of hematocrit by age and sex for control groups is given in Table 4.1). When
hematocrits were first done on the 22nd day, mean values for the Rongelap and Ailinginae
Eroups were below those of the control population. A significant trend in values after this time
could not be detected statistically.
4.11 MORPHOLOGY OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD
Significant morphologicai cellular changes, with the exception of a small number of abnormal mononuclear cells* seen in a number of individuals during the period of neutropenia,
were not observed, Similarly altered cells have been observed previously. © Complete
evaluation of these changes in the present study would necessitate an exhaustive serial study
of the hematology slides.
*There was considerable difference in opinion in respect to classification of these cells.
They were classified as atypical monocytes, degenerating lymphocytes, atypical myelocytes,
monocytoid lymphocytes, and lymphocytes in transition to myelocvtes. At the time of this report there was no unanimity of opinion in respect to classification and significance of these cells.
81
‘