The incidence of cytogenetically abnormal rogue cells in peripheral blood.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the occurrence of cytogenetically abnormal rogue cells, characterized by a high frequency of chromosome-type aberrations, in people exposed to ionizing radiation and in non-exposed subjects.


METHODS
Data on rogue cells from a total of nine cytogenetic studies on radiation-exposed populations and controls were collected from three laboratories in the United Kingdom, France and Finland. The studies were conducted on first-division metaphases of peripheral blood lymphocytes. Solid Giemsa-stained, G- or R-banded and FISH chromosome-painted material was included.


RESULTS
Rogue cells were found both from controls and from exposed subjects. The highest incidence of these cells was observed in a control group of young trainees (1:400), whereas the lowest incidence of rogue cells (1:36 500) was demonstrated in a follow-up study of people accidentally exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation. Rogue cells were found to be distributed non-randomly among individuals; the highest individual frequency was 1 in 50 analysed metaphases.


CONCLUSIONS
The origin of rogue cells is still unclear. The incidence of rogue cells showed a large variability between studies and individuals. No correlation between long-term radiation exposure and the occurrence of rogue cells was demonstrated. Although the presence of rogue cells in astronauts after a 6 month space flight may be attributable to high-LET radiation, the frequencies were not remarkable when compared with those in the other studies in this review.
Mustonen
R
R
Research and Environmental Surveillance, Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), Helsinki, Finland. ritta.mustonen@stuk.fi
Lindholm
C
C
Tawn
E J
EJ
Sabatier
L
L
Salomaa
S
S
D001399:Azure Stains / Q000378:metabolism; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000235:genetics*; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011210:Power Plants; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release
D001399:Azure Stains