[Chromosomal anomalies induced by X-rays in lymphocytes of the gorilla]

Using the harlequin--staining technique to distinguish the first from later mitotic divisions we have studied the frequency of spontaneous and radiation-induced sister chromatid exchanges and chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes from gorilla, the results being compared with previous findings on man. In spite of the fact that the karyotypes of the two species closely resemble each other the incidence of radiation-induced chromosome aberrations was much higher in gorilla than in man. The mean number of sister chromatid exchanges was not modified by exposure to X-irradiation and was almost similar in the two species.