Cytogenetic Biomarkers
.JPG)
Radiation-induced chromosome damage is established as being responsible for many of the adverse effects associated with radiation exposure. Chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes are therefore a relevant marker of both radiation exposure and risk. The study of chromosome aberration frequency in occupationally exposed workers can provide valuable information on the dose response at doses below the sensitivity of many epidemiological studies of health outcomes.
Low Linear Energy Transfer (LET)
A retrospective biological dosimetry technique has been standardised for low LET exposure, such as gamma, and relies on the presence in peripheral blood lymphocytes of cells with chromosome translocations. Translocations are stable aberrations that can undergo cell division and thus provide an integrated measure of exposure to the haemopoietic stem cell population in the bone marrow.
At Westlakes we are currently undertaking a study to redefine the dose response for low LET radiation exposure. To do this we are analysing chromosome aberrations present in the peripheral blood of Sellafield radiation workers using the sFISH method.
The principle aim of this study is to answer the following question:
- What is the dose response for low doses of low LET radiation exposure?
Principal Investigator: Caroline Whitehouse
Co-workers: Kevin Cadwell
High Linear Energy Transfer (LET)
It has recently been highlighted that the chromosome aberrations induced by high LET, such as alpha irradiation, are very complex. It is apparent that the majority of cells with these aberrations will be unstable and not undergo cell division. Thus the relationship between chromosome aberration frequencies in peripheral blood lymphocytes and dose is more difficult to establish.
At Westlakes we are undertaking a number of studies investigating both the effect of occupational exposure and exposure of human blood in the laboratory to high LET radiation using mFISH and mBAND techniques.
The principle aims of these studies are to answer the following questions:
- What is the characteristic damage associated with high LET radiation exposure?
- What is the dose response for high LET radiation exposure?
Principal Investigator: Caroline Whitehouse
Co-workers: Dr Gillian Curwen, Laura Guyatt, Duncan Holdsworth
Biodosimetry
Westlakes have the capability to perform radiation dose assessment for accidental exposure cases.
_rdax_54x48.JPG)
