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The expression of adhesion molecules and their related functions of adhesion and migration were investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to identify radiation-related changes and dose-dependency. The authors screened new biomarkers as radiation exposure dose indicators. Heparinized human peripheral blood was irradiated in vitro with different doses of γ-rays. The expression levels of the CD11a, CD11b, CD18, CD29, CD49d, and CD54 molecules on the surface of PBMC cells were determined by flow cytometry at different time points post-irradiation. The adhesion ability of human PBMCs was determined using an enzyme-linked immunoassay kit, and the migration ability of rat PBMCs was evaluated using a transwell chamber assay. Compared with the unirradiated control group, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in human CD11b/CD13 double-positive cells was detected 6 h post 6 Gy irradiation in vitro. These results indicated that the decrease in human CD29/CD13 double-positive cells in the 6 Gy exposure group at 6, 12, and 24 h post-irradiation was significant (p < 0.01). The adhesion ability of irradiated human PBMCs to IgG substrate increased significantly (p < 0.05) at 6 h after irradiation of 2, 4, or 6 Gy compared with non-irradiated controls. The migration ability of the rat PBMCs toward the MIP-1α chemokine significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing irradiation doses. These results suggest that the protein expression of cell surface molecules and their associated cellular functions might be potential biomarkers for identifying radiation exposure doses in an emergency radiation accident.

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