Alpha-particle-induced chromosomal instability in human bone marrow cells.
alpha-particles, which are ionising radiation of high linear-energy-transfer emitted, for example, from radon or plutonium, pass through tissue as highly structured tracks. Single target cells in the path of the tracks might be damaged by even low-dose alpha-irradiation. We found non-clonal cytogenetic aberrations, characterised by a high frequency of chromatid aberrations with chromosome aberrations, in clonal descendants of haemopoietic stem cells after exposure to alpha-particles of bone marrow cells from two of four haematologically normal individuals (up to 25% abnormal metaphases). The data are consistent with a transmissible genetic instability induced in a stem cell resulting in a diversity of aberrations in its clonal progeny many cell divisions later.
Kadhim
M A
MA
Department of Haematology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee.
Lorimore
S A
SA
Hepburn
M D
MD
Goodhead
D T
DT
Buckle
V J
VJ
Wright
E G
EG
D000512:Alpha Particles; D000818:Animals; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007953:Leukemia, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D018499:Linear Energy Transfer; D051379:Mice