Abstract
The immune system supports antigenic homeostasis in the body and regulates the processes of proliferation and differentiation of cellular components in hemo- and immunopoiesis. Chromium compounds and ionizing radiation lead to the formation of highly reactive free radicals. Sublethal dose of gamma-irradiation is characterized by a 56% decrease in thymus cellularity and a 22% decrease in lymph nodes against the background of a 44% increase in the number of lymphoid cells in the spleen. Under the combined effect of hexavalent chromium and gamma-radiation, a decrease in the number of lymphoid cells is observed. In thymus the cellularity decreases by 70%, in spleen - by 40%, in lymph nodes - by 42% in comparison with control data. Under the influence of boric acid the number of lymphoid cells in thymus significantly increases by 47%, in lymph nodes - by 14% (p<0.05) compared to the data of irradiated animals. Boric acid administration weakens the development of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation decreases, and the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes in immunocompetent cells is increased.