The value of the isotope coefficient could be greatly affected by a nu
mber of factors not related to the lattice dynamics. Among them are ma
gnetic scattering, the presence Of a normal film (proximity effect), E
nd nonadiabaticity (dynamic Jahn-Teller effect). The results are in go
od agreement with existing experimental data for oxygen isotope substi
tution (O-16-->O-18) in the YBa2Cu3O7-delta, Y1-xPrxBa2Cu3O7-delta, YB
a2(Cu1-xZnx)(3)O7-delta compounds. In addition, we make several predic
tions related to conventional as well as to high-T-c materials.