The induction of Robertsonian translocations by X-rays and mitomycin C in mouse cells

The induction of Robertsonian translocations in murine C3H 10T1/2 embryo fibroblasts after exposure to X-rays and mitomycin C has been investigated. Cells were irradiated in log-phase and harvested at different times for chromosome analysis. The stage of the cell cycle of individual cells at the time of irradiation could be determined by differential replication staining. A dose-dependent delay in the progression through S- and G2-phase has been observed. X-rays produced an increase in the frequency of Robertsonian translocations when cells were exposed in G1- or S-phase, but not in G2. The dose-response curve for the induction of Robertsonian translocations both in G1 and S peaked at 2 Gy and slightly declined at higher doses. For G2 cells, an increase compared to the control level was observed only after 1 Gy. Mitomycin C induced chromosomal aberrations and Robertsonian translocations in 10T1/2 cells, but no significant interaction between ionizing radiation and the alkylating agent was observed for these two endpoints. However, the combined exposure caused satellite associations of chromosomes. Both the number of satellite associations/metaphase (five times the frequency observed after mitomycin C alone) and the number of chromosomes/satellite (up to 10 chromosomes were observed in satellite associations) were greatly enhanced compared to X-rays and mitomycin C alone.