The correlation between cell survival curve and dose response curve of micronucleus (MN) frequency

The correlation between cell survival curve and dose response curve of MN frequency following irradiations was studied using cytokinesis-block method. Both dose response curves were analyzed by linear quadratic model, i.e. SF = exp (-alpha D-beta D2) and MN frequency = aD + bD2 + C. A good correlation between alpha/beta and a/b ratios was observed in repeated paired experiments (= 0.97). When the cells were treated with BUdR, alpha-type radiosensitizer, a value in dose response curve of MN frequency increased but b value did not. These data present that MN frequency assay using cytokinesis-block method is available as a tool of rapid assay of radiosensitivity of cells.