Leukocyte trafficking in response to magnetic resonance imaging.
There were significant increases in total T cells and in T helper cells in blood samples collected immediately following magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of brains of male volunteers and patients. Percentages of total lymphocytes and suppressor/cytotoxic T cells decreased in these same samples. There were no significant changes in any leukocyte subpopulations in males undergoing lumbar MRI and females undergoing brain MRI. Thus, it is unlikely that stress from the procedure is the explanation for these changes. Our results show that MRI has specific effects on a brain system(s) that controls lymphocyte subpopulations.
Reichard
S M
SM
Department of Radiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912, USA.
Allison
J D
JD
Figueroa
R E
RE
Dickinson
M M
MM
Reese
A C
AC
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000528:radiation effects; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000528:radiation effects; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000009:adverse effects; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000528:radiation effects; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*