The cytogenetic effect of an X-ray contrast medium in Chinese hamster cell cultures

Chinese hamster cell cultures were treated with different concentrations of Joduron, a water-soluble iodized X-ray contrast medium. The cytogenetic effect was analysed for a treatment period of 2 or 16 h. Jorudron primarily acts on the mitotic apparatus of the cell. The type of damage ranges from different forms of initial "C-mitosis" to unpolarized stathmokinesis. Additionally, structural chromosome damage, mainly of the chromatid type, was observed, especially after a Joduron treatment for 2 h.