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In the present study, the cesium 137 content in various human tissues was examined 6 years after the Chernobyl reactor catastrophe. The measurements were performed with a gamma-ray spectrometer by means of a germanium/lithium detector. The median of cesium 137 was 20 mBq/ml in mother's milk, 60 mBq/ml in amniotic fluid, 105 mBq/g in umbilical cords, 51 mBq/g in ovarian tumours, and 140 mBq/g in mammary carcinomas. These values lay far below the permissible limit values of 528 mBq/ml or 528 mBq/g for persons not exposed to radiation. The problems of determining the upper limit were also discussed, and it was ascertained that despite the favorably low values recorded in this study a residual risk to health cannot be absolutely precluded in the light of present-day knowledge.

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Several data suggest a relationship of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) synthesis to DNA repair and the influence of some trace elements on the semiconservative and unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS). Previously we found certain alterations in the UV-light induced UDS and in the contents of trace elements in the lymphocytes of patients with light sensitive skin disorders. In the recent study in polymorphic light eruption, cutaneous porphyrias and xeroderma pigmentosum the PAR synthesis and zinc, copper and manganese contents in the chromatin of the lymphocytes (measured by neutron activation analysis) were investigated. UV induced PAR synthesis was generally lower in the cells of polymorphic light eruption and especially in xeroderma pigmentosum with a reduced repair capacity whereas in cutaneous porphyrias no difference was observed. Some correlations occurred between the contents of trace elements studied and UDS as well in each group tested. It seems that PAR investigations throw new light upon our understanding of the pathomechanism of photodermatoses.

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It is known that some trace elements have an influence on the repair of UV light induced DNA damage. We have detected certain alterations in the excision repair of patients with photodermatoses. In these investigations of screening character the levels of zinc, copper, manganese, and iron were measured by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the whole blood of 31 patients with polymorphic light eruption and 27 patients with cutaneous porphyrias. In active stage of polymorphic light eruption decreased zinc, copper, and iron concentrations and an increased manganese content were found. In remission only the zinc level was lower. In the active stage of cutaneous porphyrias a decreased zinc and iron content as well as an increased manganese level could be detected. A presumable connection between the findings and the rate of the excision repair is discussed.

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The phagocytic function of leukocytes from peripheral blood of patients with classical rheumatoid arthritis was investigated using nitroblue-tetrazolium reduction of formazan. One control group (A) and two groups of RA-patients were compared. Group B was treated with nonsteroidal antirheumatics, the third group C additionally with low dose steroids (5,0-7,5 mg/d). Reduction to formazan was increased in group B in relation to the control, whereas treatment with cortico-steroids produced decreased phagocytic function of peripheral leukocytes.

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A new method has been developed for the production of radioactive wires and "hairpins" showing from their middle up to their ends a linear increase of specific activity. The advantages offered by these wires and "hairpins" have been introduced with good results in a series of new implantation methods for the interstitial curietherapy of malignant tumors.

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In 10 female patients with classical rheumatoid arthritis D-penicillamine was administered in a daily dose of 150-150 mg for 4 months. The only additional antiphlogistic treatment was indomethacin (100-150 mg daily). At the beginning and during the trial blood (total) levels of zinc with n-activation analysis and the excretion with urine were determined using n-activationanaysis and atom absorption. By spectrometry following results were obtained: an increase of zinc excretion. By spectrometry following results were obtained: in increase of zinc excretion in urine until day 21; after 2 and 4 months decreased above levels at the original value before beginning of treatment. Blood levels of zinc decreased distinctly until the 2nd week, increase at the 3rd week and return to the original value of the controls before D-penicillamine therapy at the 2nd and 4th months.

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In 6 female patients with classical rheumatoid arthritis D-penicillamine was administered in a daily dose of 250--500 mg for 3 weeks. The only additional antiphlogistic treatment was Indomethacin (100--150 mg daily). At the beginning and during the trial blood levels and the urinary excretion of zinc were determined using both neutron-activation analysis and atomabsorption. The results showed an increase of the urinary zinc excretion during the whole trial, a decrease of blood concentration of zinc until the 2nd week of treatment followed by an increase during the 3rd week above the level of the controls obtained before D-penicillamine therapy was started.

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