Changes in serum ceruloplasmin activity after whole body irradiation of mammals

Chronological changes in ceruloplasmin oxidase activity after gamma-irradiation with semilethal doses of 3-5 Gy, were investigated in four mammalian species; rat, guinea pig, lamb and pig. The ceruloplasmin activity increased soon after irradiation but later decreased. Although the extent of the increase and its time-course varied among species, it was most remarkable in rats and least so in guinea pigs, with the highest activity generally attained at 12 h after irradiation. In contrast, erythrocyte and leukocyte counts decreased after irradiation, and showed minimum values when ceruloplasmin levels were maximum. These results suggest that ceruloplasmin is involved in the recovery from radiation disease.