Acute Effects of Whole-Body Proton Irradiation on the Immune System of the C57BL/6 Mouse

The acute effects of proton whole-body irradiation (WBI) on leukocytes, lymphocytes, and hematological parameters in the spleen and blood of C57BI/6 mice were examined and compared to the effects of photon (gamma) WBI derived from a 60cobalt (60Co) source. Adult, female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to a single dose (3 Gy, 0.4 Gy/min dose rate) of either proton WBI at the Bragg peak, proton WBI at the entry plateau, or Co WBI, and sacrifice intervals were at 1,4, 7, and 10 days post- WBI. Flow cytometry analysis of the spleen and peripheral blood showed depression in cell counts for all time points when compared to the non-irradiated control group. B (CD19+) and T-cytotoxic/suppressor (CD3+CD8+) lymphocytes were the most radiosensitive, while natural killer (NK1.1+) cells were the most radioresistant. Splenic T cells showed reduced responsiveness to mitogen stimulation for the first four days post- WBI, while splenic B cell responsiveness was reduced at all time periods. Analysis of hematological parameters showed depression of red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit levels after 4 days post-WBI; platelet counts were low at days 4 and 10. Comparison of the proton and 60Co-irradiated groups showed few statistically significant differences among the radiation groups at any time point. These data indicate, for the very first time, that cells of the immune system are affected similarly by 3 Gy proton (Bragg peak and entry plateau) and gamma WBI. These findings could have a significant impact on future studies designed to maximize normal tissue protection during and after proton radiation exposure. Key words: Leukocytes, lymphocyte subsets, radiation, protons, whole-bod

Ophthalmomyiasis in Hawaii.

Ophthalmomyiasis is the infestation of the eye by fly larvae. Commonly caused by Oestrus ovis, a female sheep botfly will accidentally deposit her larvae into a human eye, resulting in disease. Prompt recognition and treatment of this condition will improve patient care and reduce potential complications. We report a case of ophthalmomyiasis in a young man from Molokai who was infested while unloading a Christmas tree

Thoracic Vertebral Actinomycosis: Actinomyces israelii and Fusobacterium nucleatum▿

Actinomyces spp. are considered rare pathogens in today's medicine, especially with thoracic vertebral involvement. Classic actinomycosis (50%) presents as an oral-cervicofacial (“lumpy jaw”) infection. This report describes a case of spinal cord compression caused by Actinomyces israelii with the coisolation of Fusobacterium nucleatum. There are limited numbers of similar cases