Detection of late genetic instability during follow-up investigation of cytogenetic effects in liquidators of Chernobyl accident aftermath

The time-effect relationship for cytogenetic parameters and late genetic instability indices were investigated in liquidators sampled during 1986-2001 follow-up study. The radiation-unspecific chromosome damage represented a significant part in the spectrum of early cytogenetic effects and provided the initial plateau of the total aberration yield from the first few months up to 2,5 years after mutagenic exposure. After an active elimination of aberrant cells that ended with maximum approaching of all parameters to the control level in terms about 9 years, the statistically significant increase and subsequent stabilization of each type aberrations frequencies was observed during 10 - 13 years after returning from the Chernobyl zone. The expression of the late genetic instability in liquidators took place without any correlation with registered irradiation dose and duration of staying at Chernobyl