M.A. FADEL*, S.I. HOSAM**, S.A. EMAN***

* Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Egypt
** Biophysics Group, Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt
*** Radiation Laboratory, National Institute of Standards, Egypt

Abstract. This paper aims to study the biological effects of electric field, fast neutrons and mixed radiation exposures from electric field and fast neutrons on rat erythrocytes. The growing uses of nuclear radiation energy generated by electric power such as X-ray machines, linear accelerator, betatrons and electric power generated by nuclear power, etc., all involved exposures to high electric and magnetic fields mixed with ionizing radiation. Single field of Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) electric field 50 Hz, 6 kV/m and 252Cf fast neutrons with doses up to 1 mSv at dose rate of 8 μSv/h were used, in addition to mixed radiation exposures from electric field and fission fast neutrons. Forty male rats were equally divided into 4 groups namely A, B, C and D. The erythrocytes membrane properties were tested through measurements of osmofragility and solubility with non-ionic detergent in addition to blood films for all animal groups. The results indicated changes in all measured parameters after irradiation and exposures to single and mixed radiation fields. It was concluded from the results that periodical medical examination of the radiation occupational workers should include the test of red blood cells morphology and functions. Counting of blood is unsatisfactory to inform about the radiation injury.
Key words: Rats’ erythrocytes, electric field, fission neutrons, solubilization, osmofragility, blood films.

Corresponding author’s e-mail: fadel_mali@yahoo.com

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