Bystander effects induced by serum from survivors of the Chernobyl accident.
OBJECTIVE
To examine blood samples from survivors of the Chernobyl accident for evidence of persistent bystander factors or clastogenic factors and to look at the ability of melanin and melatonin, which are radioprotective agents capable of preventing bystander effects in cell culture to prevent toxic effects.


METHODS
Serum was extracted from blood samples of control and test groups and added to human immortalized reporter cells, used in our laboratories for identification of bystander effects. These were then analyzed for evidence of micronucleus formation and viability.


RESULTS
Micronuclei were significantly elevated in cells exposed to serum samples from Chernobyl liquidators and from workers in Gomel. Viability of cells treated with these sera was correspondingly reduced.


CONCLUSIONS
Twenty years after the accident at the Chernobyl Plant, these is still evidence of the presence of clastogenic or bystander factors in the serum of populations exposed to radiation from the reactor.
Marozik
Pavel
P
Sakarov University, Minsk, Belarus.
Mothersill
Carmel
C
Seymour
Colin B
CB
Mosse
Irma
I
Melnov
Sergeyi
S
D024201:Bystander Effect; D002461:Cell Line, Transformed; D002470:Cell Survival; D047852:Chernobyl Nuclear Accident; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008543:Melanins / Q000494:pharmacology; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000097:blood*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D044967:Serum / Q000378:metabolism*; D017741:Survivors; D013997:Time Factors
D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D008543:Melanins; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D008550:Melatonin