Chromosomal Ionizing radiation

Although chromosomal aberrations have been reported in lymphocytes following exposure to 241Am (Bauchinger et al. 1997 Kelly and Dagle 1974), and these observations are consistent with the effects of exposure to radiation, these effects are not specific to radioactive americium or to ionizing radiation in general. 

Growing tissues are most sensitive to ionizing radiation. DNA synthesis is inhibited, yet the action of x-rays is indirect. They produce free radicals, which in turn react with DNA and thus produce point mutations or chromosomal breaks. 

Evans, H.J., Chromosome aberrations induced by ionizing radiations, Int. Rev. Cytol., IS 221-321 (1962). 

One of the most sensitive biological effects of ionizing radiation is to increase the frequency of normally observed chromosome aberrations (but not to induce qualitatively special abnormalities). Peripheral blood lymphocytes are the most feasible cells for chromosome investigations, as blood samples are easy to obtain and the techniques to stimulate the lymphocytes to proliferate within a culture medium and to prepare suitable chromosome slides for microscopic analyzation have their routine protocoil (e. g. Yunis, 1965 Lloyd et al, 1982). 

Pohl-Ruling, J., P. Fischer, and E. Pohl, The Low-Level Shape of Dose Response for Chromosome Aberrations, in Proceedings of the International Symposium of Late Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (International Atomic Energy Agency) pp. 315-326, Vienna, Austria, (1978). 

Revell, S.H. (1974). The breakage-and-reunion theory and the exchange theory for chromosome aberrations induced by ionizing radiations A short history. In Advances in Radiation Biology (Lett, J.T. and Zelle, M., Eds.). Vol. 4, Academic Press, New York, pp. 367-415. 

The appearance of structural aberrations in chromosomes of peripheral lymphocytes is a sensitive indicator of exposure to agents that break chromosomes directly.115 117 This technique has been especially useful in studies of populations exposed to ionizing radiation.21 38 1+6 116 254 1+26 Some chemicals are known to cause similar effects in experimental organisms. Relatively small numbers of persons are required to show a moderate effect, and many of the aberrations are detectable long after the exposure.21 1+8 426... 

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