Assessment of humoral immunity in workers occupationally exposed to low levels of ionizing radiation

Background: The aim of this study was investigating the effect of low levels of ionizing radiation on immunoglobulin, complement levels in radiology workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of immunology, college of medicine, Tabriz University of medical sciences, Iran. during the year of 2006-2007. Blood samples were taken from 45 radiology staff and from 35 subjects who had never been exposed to radiation. Samples were analyzed for immunoglobulin, complement levels. Results: Serum total IgA, IgM, c3, c4 levels were as significantly lower in the radiology workers exposed to ionizing radiation compared to the controls (p<0.05). A significant difference was observed in IgA, IgM levels and age in radiology workers (p