Dose Response Curve Using Chemically Induced PCC Assay in Peripheral Cells Irradiated In-vitro to 5 MeV Alpha Particles Emitted From Radon Source

Abstract

Abstract Bio-dosimetry is defined as estimation of dose received by individuals based on biological end points induced by ionizing radiation. By using cytogenetic assay, it is possible to quantify the absorbed dose. High linear energy transfer (LET) radiation produces dense ionizations along their path and causes more clustered DNA damage compared to low LET. Radon is a natural radioactive element present in the atmosphere mainly produced during decay of uranium. The main objective of the present study is to construct dose response curve by using Premature Chromosome Condensation (PCC) techniques in blood cells exposed in-vitro to radon exposure. Blood samples were drawn from healthy non-smokers (n=4), aged between 28 to 42 years and exposed to twenty doses of radon ranged between 0 to 5.5 mGy. A total of about 24000 metaphase spreads were counted to find the DNA damages include ring chromosomes (RC), dicentric chromosomes (DC) and acentric fragments (AF). As the dose increases gradual increase was observed in RC, DC and AF with the slope of 0.001, 0.005 and 0.064 respectively. So far, no calibration reference curve was generated for low dose radon using chemically induced PCC assay and hence this study is considered as first of its kind.