抄録
Exposure of cell populations to ionizing radiation results in communication of signaling molecules between irradiated cells and between irradiated and non-irradiated cells in the population. This phenomenon, termed the ‘bystander response’, has been shown to occur both in vitro and in vivo. It affects the overall response of exposed cells and results in induction of significant biological effects in unirradiated bystander cells and their progeny. Genetic alterations, changes in gene expression and lethality have been shown to occur in bystander cells that neighbor directly irradiated cells. The roles and mechanisms of oxidative metabolism and gap-junction intercellular communication in modulating bystander responses in human cells are under intense investigation. Molecular and biochemical aspects of these processes in determining overall responses of cell populations exposed to high and low linear energy transfer radiations will be discussed.
