An Alkaline Separation Method for Detection of Small Amount of DNA Damage

Abstract

An alkaline separation technique originally established by Ahnström is modified to detect small amount of DNA damage in X-irradiated mouse leukemic L5178Y cells. It is made quantitative by calibration with an alkaline sucrose gradient centrifugation. The present method would make it possible to study DNA damage and its repair within a dose range of X-rays where cell survival and mutation are usually investigated. It is also useful for detecting DNA damage caused by chemicals. © 1981, Journal of Radiation Research Editorial Committee. All rights reserved.