Fluorescence in situ Hybridization approach to biological dosimetry in radiation accidents

Human exposure to ionizing radiation lends itself to assessment by analysis of the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes of irradiated individuals. The frequency of unstable chromosome exchanges (dicentric and rings), recorded immediately after irradiation, is usually used for initial estimation of the radiation doses absorbed. The possibilities afforded by the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique, using chromosome specific DNA probes, for accurate cytogenetic analysis of stable chromosome aberrations (reciprocal translocations) persisting long after radiation exposure, are assayed. Application of the technique for retrospective dose estimation in population irradiated during the accidents in Chernobyl (1986), Goiania (1987) and Hiroshima (1945), as well as after chronic radiation exposures, is discussed