EFFECTS OF MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING ON POLYMORPHONUCLEAR NEUTROPHILFUNCTIONS

Rationale and Objectives. Limited research has been performed on the e ffects of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging on the immune system. To our knowledge, there are no reported studies of MR imaging effects on the polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) system. Therefore, we evaluated th e influence of MR imaging exposure on PMNs. Methods. In vivo and in vi tro studies were performed on 36 patients undergoing MR imaging, The f ollowing were estimated in blood samples: leukocyte and PMN count, PMN phagocytosis and bactericidal capacity, percentage of cells with expr ession of surface receptor for the Fc fragment of immunoglobulin G (Ig G), PMN superoxide, hydrogen peroxide production, and plasma lysozyme activity. Another sample of patients was used to eliminate temperature as an influence on changes in PMN functions. Results. Both in vitro a nd in vivo IMR imaging led to a decrease in PMNs and an increase in PM N phagocytosis, bactericidal capacity, hydrogen peroxide production, a nd percentage of cells with expression of surface receptor for Fc IgG. Superoxide anion production did not change significantly. Elevated te mperature, stress, and anxiety were excluded as influences on our resu lts. Conclusion. The PMN system is affected seriously by MR imaging.