restorative effect of vitamin e on some immunological parameters of sub-lethal γ-irradiated balb/c mice

elevated amount of the free radicals due to ionizing radiation causes deteriorating damage on immune system. therefore, we made attempts to investigate the protective effect of vitamin e (vit-e), a biological antioxidant in balb/c mice, so as to find an affordable prophylactic supplementation for individuals who are at risk. several groups of mice were selected and exposed to sub-lethal g -irradiation with or without vit-e supplementation. at the end of exposure, mice were immunized by either live attenuated brucellamelitensis vaccine or sheep red blood cell (srbc). consequently, the following parameters were assayed: specific antibody response, delayed type hypersensitivity and lymphocyte proliferation. we showed that vit-e supplementation restored the immune response in g -irradiated mice. these findings might have implications for individuals who are at risk of exposure to ionizing radiation.