Chromosome Aberrations of Blood Lymphocytes Induced by Low-Level Doses of Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

Many reports can be found in the literature on the effects on the chromosomes of pheripheral blood lymphocytes due to almost all kinds of ionizing radiation, with low and high LET (Linear Energy Transfer), delivered acutely, fractionated or continously, in vivo as well as in vitro (e.g., Evans and Lloyd 1978; Ishihara and Sasaki 1983). The frequencies of structural aberrations were even taken for dose assessment in radiation-exposed persons (e.g., Lloyd and Purrott 1981; International Atomic Energy Agency 1986; Carrano and Natarajan 1988). Most of these investigations, however, dealt with high (over 50 cGy) and some with medium (above 5 cGy) doses2.