CHROMOSOMAL-ABERRATIONS IN BLOOD-LYMPHOCYTES OF ASTRONAUTS AFTER LONG-TERM SPACE-FLIGHTS

Purpose: To analyse lymphocyte chromosomes from astronauts of MIR and EUROMIR missions. Materials and methods: Peripheral lymphocytes from s even astronauts before and after space flights were cultured and analy sed for structural chromosomal aberrations. Results: Chromosome-type b ut not chromatid-type aberrations were significantly elevated after sp ace flights when compared to pre-flight values. In one astronaut two r ogue cells were found. Conclusions: Overall the frequencies of aberrat ions were found to be correlated with estimated absorbed cosmic radiat ion doses.