A cytogenetic follow-up study of the victims of a radiation accident in Goiania (Brazil).
A radiation accident involving a cesium-137 therapy source occurred in Goiania (Brazil) in September 1987, in which more than 50 individuals were exposed to moderate to high doses (0.2-7 Gy) of gamma-radiation. A cytogenetic technique (i.e., frequencies of dicentrics and rings in peripheral lymphocytes) was employed to estimate the absorbed radiation dose. The follow-up study extending over more than 1 year indicated a decline in the frequencies of dicentrics in the lymphocytes. Using chromosome-specific biotinylated library probes for chromosomes 1, 2, 8 and 19, we studied the frequencies of chromosomal translocations and deletions and the incidence of aneuploidy in the lymphocytes of exposed individuals. In some individuals there was a significant increase in the frequency of translocations and aneuploidy. In other experiments, in which the frequencies of HPRT mutations were determined in lymphocytes using the BrdU-labeling method, some individuals showed an increase (from about 2- to 50-fold) in mutant frequencies.
Natarajan
A T
AT
Department of Radiation Genetics and Chemical Mutagenesis, State University Leiden, The Netherlands.
Vyas
R C
RC
Wiegant
J
J
Curado
M P
MP
D000059:Accidents; D001938:Brazil; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006801:Humans; D007041:Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase / Q000235:genetics*; D007621:Karyotyping; D009154:Mutation; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000235:genetics*; D014178:Translocation, Genetic
D007041:Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase