THE EFFECT OF IODINE-BASED CONTRAST AGENTS ON THE LEVELS OF RADIATION-INDUCED CHROMOSOMAL-ABERRATIONS

The effects of iodine-based contrast agents on the repair of radiation -induced chromosomal damage were investigated employing peripheral blo od from a healthy male donor. The blood samples were irradiated with 0 .5-4.0 Gy Cs-137 gamma rays. Contrast agents and NaCl solutions of var ious concentrations were added to the blood within the first 15 min or at 60 min after irradiation, and the samples were subsequently cultur ed for 45 h at 37 degrees C. Significantly elevated frequencies of chr omosomal abnormalities caused by postirradiation treatment with hypert onic contrast agents appeared to increase with increasing hypertonicit y. Elevated aberration frequencies were found to be greatest in the sa mples treated within 15 min of irradiation. The contrast agents had li ttle effect if they were added at 60 min after irradiation, probably b ecause the process of chromosome rejoining had been completed. Isotoni c iodine-based contrast agents did not enhance the frequencies of chro mosomal aberrations to a significant degree. (C) 1997 by Radiation Res earch Society.