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Alpha-particle-induced chromosomal instability in human bone marrow cells
M A Kadhim1, S A Lorimore, M D Hepburn
1Department of Haematology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee.
Lancet (London, England)
|October 8, 1994
Summary
Low-dose alpha-particle irradiation can induce genetic instability in stem cells. This instability leads to diverse cytogenetic aberrations in their descendants, even after many cell divisions.
Area of Science:
- Radiation biology
- Genetics
- Cellular biology
Background:
- Alpha-particles are high linear-energy-transfer ionizing radiation.
- Low-dose alpha-irradiation can damage individual cells within tissue.
- Radon and plutonium are common sources of alpha-particles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of alpha-particle exposure on hematopoietic stem cells.
- To determine if alpha-irradiation induces transmissible genetic instability.
- To characterize the types of cytogenetic aberrations resulting from such instability.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of bone marrow cells from normal individuals to alpha-particles.
- Analysis of cytogenetic aberrations in clonal descendants of hematopoietic stem cells.
- Distinguishing between clonal and non-clonal aberrations.
Main Results:
- Non-clonal cytogenetic aberrations were observed in hematopoietic stem cell descendants from two of four individuals.
- A high frequency of both chromatid and chromosome aberrations was noted.
- Abnormal metaphases reached up to 25% in affected individuals.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-particle exposure can induce a transmissible genetic instability in stem cells.
- This instability results in a wide range of aberrations in progeny cells.
- The findings suggest a potential mechanism for long-term effects of alpha-irradiation.