Technical report: effect of cryopreservation on chromosomal aberration yield in irradiated lymphocytes

Cryopreservation is the usual method to store cells before analysis or use, for instance for biological dosimetry purposes. Some investigations have shown that thawing following freezing may induce cell injury but few studies have been made of the effect of cryopreservation on cells containing radiation-induced unstable chromosomal aberrations. In this work, lymphocytes were irradiated with 1 to 4 Gy gamma rays and stored in liquid nitrogen. The dicentric and centric ring yields were analysed after storage periods of 1 week, 1 month and 3 months. No difference in aberration frequency from control, unfrozen samples was observed over this period. Lymphocytes stored at -196 degrees C for up to at least 3 months may therefore be used for chromosome aberration scoring when over-exposure to ionizing radiation is suspected.