The application of FISH for chromosome aberration analysis in relation to radiation exposure

Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with a cocktail of whole chromosome paints for chromosomes 1, 3 and 4 has been applied to the analysis of radiation-induced and spontaneous chromosome aberrations for the establishment of biodosimetry techniques. FISH and conventional Giemsa staining were used to measure chromosomal exchange-type aberrations in G(o) human peripheral blood lymphocytes irradiated in vitro with X rays. A linear quadratic relationship was demonstrated, with equal frequencies of total translocations and dicentrics induced at doses up to 2 Gy. In addition, chromosome aberrations induced in vivo were measured using FISH in 55 men aged 51-82 years. The men were selected as controls for a study of retired radiation workers to help determine the relationship between inter-individual Variation and lifestyle factors. A mean total translocation frequency of 14.33 +/- 0.87 x 10(-3) per genome equivalent was observed, with an overall range of 2.90-70.67 x 10(-3) per genome equivalent.