[Can postradiation cell fusion be a factor in the protection of a cell population?].

From the analysis of the literature it is inferred that there is one more type of nonspecific protection which is based on the polyploidy process and functions at the cell population and tissue levels. With high radiation loads, this process maintains the functioning rate of the given tissue and the survival rate of the given cell type. A hypothesis is proposed that cell fusion and formation of somatic hybrids, that provide clone survival, are particularly effective in tumor tissues. This mechanism is activated at high radiation doses: fusion of injured cells and formation of polykaryons and then hybrids can give rise to cells capable of reproduction. The cellularity is restored.