Correlation of micronucleus and apoptosis assays with reproductive cell death can be improved by considering other modes of death

Purpose: To evaluate, using 10 cell lines, the already shown improved corre lation between the sum of micronucleated plus apoptotic cells and reproduct ive cell death. Materials and methods: The cell lines were X-irradiated with doses selected to obtain comparable survival levels. Micronucleated and apoptotic cells a s well as abnormal cells (multinucleated and necrotic cells) were counted o ver several days. Apoptosis was also confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Results: The data confirmed the already shown improved relationship over th e solely performed micronucleus or apoptosis assays with reproductive cell death and radiation dose. However, even this approach revealed a saturation after irradiation in cel tain cell lines. Including other modes of cell de ath such as mitotic failure or necrosis could eliminate this effect. Conclusion: Multiple parameters should be considered when evaluating the us e of a predictive assay for ionizing radiation-induced cell killing or biol ogical dosimetry.