The chromosome damage observed in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes at their metaphase is considered to be the most reliable basis for biological dosimetry. However, physical and biological factors such as irradiation conditions and chromosome repair could make difficult the interpretation of chromosome aberration yield in terms of absorbed dose. To establish correction factors to take into account partial body exposure, dose rate, and post-irradiation time requires in-vivo studies. Yet, such studies may be hampered by the laborious techniques required to culture the blood of the more readily available laboratory animals. In this paper, a cytogenetic approach based on a simple method for polyethylene-glycol-mediated cell fusion and premature chromosome condensation induction in primary cells is shown to be useful for in-vivo studies involving rodents. This method enables the direct assessment of radiation-induced chromosome damage without having the cells proceed to mitosis. The applicability of the method is demonstrated in particular for the measurement of immediate and persistent radiation-induced chromosome damage in rat peripheral blood, spleen, and thymus lymphocytes.
Animals Cell Fusion