Multicolour FISH painting for the analysis of chromosomal aberrations induced by 220 kV X-rays and fission neutrons.
OBJECTIVE
The quantification of radiation-induced chromosome aberrations identified by multicoloured FISH painting and classified according to different nomenclature systems (PAINT, S&S and a conventional method).


METHODS
Blood samples were irradiated with five different doses of 220 kV X-rays or fission neutrons respectively. Cell cycle-controlled, multicoloured FISH painting was performed with a cocktail of chromosomes 1, 4, 12 and a pancentromeric probe.


RESULTS
Ten aberration parameters or categories were selected according to the three nomenclature systems and dose-response curves were constructed for the observed yields. Fitted coefficients of the linear-quadratic dose-response function show the relative importance of the quadratic term for aberration parameters of the low-LET radiation (X-rays) data set and of the linear term for those of the high-LET radiation (fission neutrons) data set. The relative proportion of complex aberrations observed was larger for the densely ionizing fission neutrons than for sparsely ionizing X-rays.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with single-colour FISH painting, a multicolour approach provides extended information for a mechanistic and quantitative interpretation of radiation-induced chromosome aberrations. The choice of a nomenclature system and the selection of an appropriate aberration parameter or category depend on these specific aspects. Practical application requires a rapid and reproducible description of the observed painting patterns and should also throw light on the origin of aberrations.
Knehr
S
S
GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health, Institute of Radiobiology, Oberschleissheim, Germany.
Huber
R
R
Braselmann
H
H
Schraube
H
H
Bauchinger
M
M
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D020223:Chromosome Painting / Q000379:methods*; D002877:Chromosomes, Human / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000528:radiation effects; D009502:Neutrons; D014965:X-Rays