A search for possible cytogenetic effects of low frequency vibrations in cultured human lymphocytes

1. Acute cytogenetic effects expressed as sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) in peripheral blood lymphocytes were investigated after in vitro exposure to low vibration regimes (5-30 Hz. at 0.1 cm amplitude) for 20 min intervals and compared to non-vibrated control cultures. 2. There was no significant (P < 0.05) increase in the range of SCE incidence at any vibration frequency compared to the mean value of control; 6.88 +/- 0.11 to 7.97 +/- 0.22 versus 6.83 +/- 0.86, respectively. 3. When cultures were incubated for 1 h in the presence of 0.5 microgram ml-1 mitomycin C (MMC; the positive control) significant elevations in the SCE frequency were observed (19.81 +/- 0.67), indicating the sensitivity of the system to in vitro SCE induction. 4. Other cell parameters, such as mitotic index and cell proliferation index were statistically similar in the experimental cultures and the negative control. 5. The observed differences in the investigated end-points are considered within those typically found in vitro. This suggests no relation between low frequency vibrations and cytogenetic effects.