Micronucleus Assay as a Biological Indicator for In Vitro Exposure of Human Lymphocytes to Gamma Rays

Abstract

Micronucleus Assay was employed to detect the effects of acute exposure of human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro to Cs -137 gamma rays. Human whole blood samples were irradiated with different doses of gamma rays namely ) 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1.00) Gy, respectively in addition to a control non-irradiated sample. The samples were tissue cultured and cytokinesis blocked method was used to investigate the frequency of micronuclei. In vitro exposure of lymphocytes to this doses led to elevation of micronuclei in comparison with non –irradiated samples However, inclusion of mono-, tri-,and quadrinucleated cells in micronucleus assay probably gives more satisfying result than restriction the test on binucleated cells. Computed programmed were employed to establish dose – response relationships to be used as biological dosimeter during radiation accidents.