Elimination of X-ray-induced chromosomal aberrations in the progeny of female mice

Abstract

Female NMRI mice were irradiated with various doses of X-rays and induced chromosome aberrations were scored in MII oocytes (Dosage: 0.222, 0.666, 2 and 6 Gy). After irradiation with 2 Gy, early zygotes were examined in the 2-cell stage; additional dominant lethals were counted and surviving embryos were examined after 13.5 days of pregnancy. 87.2% of the MII oocytes showed structural chromosomal aberrations after irradiation with 2 Gy. Surviving embryos, however, failed to show any increase in the aberration rate. This result points to (almost) complete elimination of genetically damaged oocytes and zygotes already before birth. In addition to the structural aberrations, aneuploidies were induced. Most of them, however, were hypoploidies. Hence, the study confirmed the well-known susceptibility of oocytes around the time of fertilization for induced chromosome loss. Induced hyperploidies, however, were very rare. Evidence for induction of meiotic non-disjunction was weak. In surviving embryos, no increase in numerical aberrations, either hypoploid or hyperploid was discovered. The significance of these data for the prediction of chromosomal damage due to ionizing radiation in humans is discussed. Recent risk estimates of UNSCEAR and other agencies represent very cautious upper levels. © 1984.