Romanova O. Assessment of the exposure of human beings to low doses of low intensity ionizing irradiation utilizing the test of frequency of micronuclei in peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Subject of inquiry - the human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The aim of the investigation to the study of the low dose rate exposure of human beings living in the nuclear contaminated territories and occupational irradiation using the test of frequency of micronuclei in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Equipment - a microscope, flow cytometer. It was found that the dose- effect of micronuclei frequency in lymphocytes at low-dose- rate exposure of blood in vitro had complex character. It is shown that spontaneous frequency of micronuclei depended on the individual age and smoking habits. Micronuclei frequency and frequency of cells with several micronuclei were found to be significantly higher in blood lymphocytes of the Chernobyl NPP 30-kilometer exclusion zone self-settlers, CNPP zone and Scientific center " Institute for nuclear research" personnel as compared to those of the Kievans. It was shown that there is no correlation between these indices and the external irradiation doses. Correlation between the micronuclei frequency and dose of exposure of red bone marrow was identified for self settlers. Modified technique for automated flow cytometry of micronuclei in human blood lymphocytes was developed and tested. The conclusion is made about the suitability of the micronuclear test for the group bioindication of the low-dose-rate exposure and identification of individuals with possible health risk.