The present state and perspectives of micronucleus assay in radiation protection

The occurrence of micronuclei proved to be a sensitive biological indicator of clastogenic effects of many chemical and physical agents. The possibility of using the micronucleus technique in radiation protection as an alternative to the traditional chromosomal analysis has recently been followed with increasing interest. This review outlines the main biological and practical aspects of the micronucleus assay and discusses its potential to serve as a rapid and reliable measure of radiation overexposures and hypersensitivities. (author)