Cellular radiation effects and hyperthermia: cytokinetic investigations with stationary phase yeast cells

Wild type diploid yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain 211, was subjected to 250 kV X-rays or 50 degrees C heat treatment for 30 min or to a combination of both. X-ray exposure took place either in air or in nitrogen. Cell number, percentage of budding cells and cell cycle progression was followed for up to 12 h post irradiation. The distribution of cell cycle stages was determined by flow cytofluorometry. All treatments cause a retardation of cell division rate. Hyperthermia leads mainly to a lengthening of G1, whereas X-rays arrest the cells reversibly in G2. The effect of the combined treatment appears to be merely additive. No. selective action of hyperthermia on hypoxic cells was found.