Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in serum interleukin-2(IL-2) level in a hamster model bearing cheek pouch
carcinoma after heavy ion beams irradiation. MethodsThe serum levels of IL-2 were detected using enzyme-linked
immunosorbant assay in40hamsters bearing cheek pouch carcinoma before and after exposure to heavy ion beam irradiation,
with8normal animals as control.ResultsSerum IL-2level was0.16±0.01in the tumor-bearing hamsters before the irradiation,
lower than that in the control group. After heavy ion beams irradiation at 4, 6, 8, and 12Gy, serum IL-2levels in the
tumor-bearing hamsters were0.18±0.04, 0.22±0.05, 0.15±0.03, and 0.13±0.04, respectively, showing a peak level after irradiation
at6Gy and an obvious decrease following irradiation at greater doses.ConclusionHeavy ion beam irradiation causes
alterations in serum IL-2level with a dose-effect relation between them in hamsters bearing cheek pouch carcinoma.