Abstract
Okadiac acid-induced prematurely condensed ring chromosomes (PCC rings) induced with X-irradiation were analyzed under a light microscope and then by an atomic force microscope (AFM) after Giemsa staining. PCC rings and small round-shaped chromosomes or chromatids without obvious holes that were difficult to recognize as PCC rings (PCC ring-like chromosome fragments or PCC ring-like chromatid fragments) by light microscopy were selected. Those Giemsa stained PCC rings and PCC ring-like fragments were visualized and analyzed by AFM. Section analysis by AFM revealed that some of the PCC ring-like chromatid fragments and PCC ring-like chromosome fragments were thicker than standard chromatids or chromosomes. These were considered as PCC rings turned sideways on slide. Atomic force microscopy made possible to identify these radiation-induced aberrations for improvement of the accuracy of dose estimation. [J Radiat Res 44:401-402 (2003)]
