Estimate of the Deterministic Neutron RBE for Radiation-induced Pseudo-Pelger Huët Cell Formation

Area of Science:

• Radiation biology
• Hematology
• Dosimetry

Background:

• Pseudo-Pelger Huët anomaly (PPHA) in neutrophils identified as a novel radiation-induced biomarker.
• PPHA useful for immediate and retrospective radiation dosimetry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare PPHA cell frequency in historical radiation accidents.
• To estimate the deterministic neutron relative biological effectiveness (RBE d) for PPHA formation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of archival peripheral blood slides from Y-12 (1958) and CARL (1971) radiation accident patients.
• Comparison of PPHA cell frequency and radiation doses (gamma and neutron).
• Calculation of neutron RBE d for PPHA formation using dose data from two distinct accident cohorts.

Main Results:

• PPHA cell frequency was analyzed in patients from the Y-12 and CARL accidents.
• Average doses were calculated for Y-12 (2.53 ± 0.14 Gy gamma + 0.90 ± 0.05 Gy neutron) and CARL (2.6 Gy gamma).
• The estimated neutron RBE d for PPHA formation was 3.4 ± 0.6, consistent with the recommended value of 3.

Conclusions:

• PPHA serves as a valuable biomarker for radiation exposure.
• The calculated neutron RBE d for PPHA formation supports its utility in mixed-field dosimetry.
• Findings validate PPHA as a tool for retrospective dosimetry in radiation accidents.