Japanese Journal of Health Physics
Online ISSN : 1884-7560
Print ISSN : 0367-6110
ISSN-L : 0367-6110
Chromosomal Estimation of Radiation Effects in Man
Takaaki ISHIHARA
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1978 Volume 13 Issue 3 Pages 171-182

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Abstract
Chromosome abnormalities induced in peripheral lymphocytes are excellent biological indicators of radiation exposure. The estimate of the absorbed dose of radiation based on the chromosome aberration yield is considered the most dependable means of the biological dosimetry. In this brief review, several aspects of the use of radiation-induced chromosome abnormalities for the assessment of the biological effects of radiation are discussed; chromosome abnormalities induced by radiation, the yields of chromosome abnormalities in relation to dose, quality and dose rate of radiation, dosimetry shortly after exposure and after many years, and the capacity of chromosome abnormalities as indicators of radiation effects in the low dose level.
Chromosome abnormalities to be used for the estimate are chromosome type abnormalities such as dicentrics, rings and others, among which dicentrics and rings are regarded as the most adequate since they can be easily detected, and are highly dose-dependent. On the basis of the yield of dicentrics and rings, an absorbed dose equivalent to as low as about 10rad of 60CO gamma rays may be estimated. Even many years after exposure when there are no other indicators remaining, chromosome abnormalities can still serve as fairly reliable indicators.
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© Japan Health Physics Society
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