Biodosimetry estimation using the ratio of the longest:shortest length in the premature chromosome condensation (PCC) method applying autocapture and automatic image analysis.
The combination of automatic image acquisition and automatic image analysis of premature chromosome condensation (PCC) spreads was tested as a rapid biodosimeter protocol. Human peripheral lymphocytes were irradiated with (60)Co gamma rays in a single dose of between 1 and 20 Gy, stimulated with phytohaemaglutinin and incubated for 48 h, division blocked with Colcemid, and PCC-induced by Calyculin A. Images of chromosome spreads were captured and analysed automatically by combining the Metafer 4 and CellProfiler platforms. Automatic measurement of chromosome lengths allows the calculation of the length ratio (LR) of the longest and the shortest piece that can be used for dose estimation since this ratio is correlated with ionizing radiation dose. The LR of the longest and the shortest chromosome pieces showed the best goodness-of-fit to a linear model in the dose interval tested. The application of the automatic analysis increases the potential use of the PCC method for triage in the event of massive radiation causalities.
Centro de Protección e Higiene de las Radiaciones, Calle 20 No. 4113, e/41 y 47, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba jorgee@cphr.edu.cu.
Jorge E
JE
González
Centro de Protección e Higiene de las Radiaciones, Calle 20 No. 4113, e/41 y 47, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba.
Ivonne
I
Romero
Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, BP 17, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
Eric
E
Gregoire
Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, BP 17, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
Cécile
C
Martin
Centro de Protección e Higiene de las Radiaciones, Calle 20 No. 4113, e/41 y 47, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba.
Ana I
AI
Lamadrid
Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, BP 17, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
Philippe
P
Voisin
Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, BP 17, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
Joan-Francesc
JF
Barquinero
Centro de Protección e Higiene de las Radiaciones, Calle 20 No. 4113, e/41 y 47, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba.
Omar
O
García
D001681:Biological Assay / Q000379:methods*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002877:Chromosomes, Human / Q000235:genetics* / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
Calyculin A; PCC assay; high-dose radiation; image analysis