Correlation of micronucleus and apoptosis assays with reproductive cell death can be improved by considering other modes of death.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate, using 10 cell lines, the already shown improved correlation between the sum of micronucleated plus apoptotic cells and reproductive cell death.


METHODS
The cell lines were X-irradiated with doses selected to obtain comparable survival levels. Micronucleated and apoptotic cells as well as abnormal cells (multinucleated and necrotic cells) were counted over several days. Apoptosis was also confirmed by gel electrophoresis.


RESULTS
The data confirmed the already shown improved relationship over the solely performed micronucleus or apoptosis assays with reproductive cell death and radiation dose. However, even this approach revealed a saturation after irradiation in certain cell lines. Including other modes of cell death such as mitotic failure or necrosis could eliminate this effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple parameters should be considered when evaluating the use of a predictive assay for ionizing radiation-induced cell killing or biological dosimetry.
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Institute of Radiobiology, Federal Armed Forces Medical Academy, Munich, Germany. 101653.1373@compuserve.com
Kehe
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Kehe
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Riedel
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Van Beuningen
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D017209:Apoptosis; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D011836:Radiation Tolerance; D014965:X-Rays