DNA damage analysed with comet assay and aberration frequency analysed with classical cytogenetics and fish after in vitro 252-Californium neutron irradiations of human lymphocytes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of DNA and chromoso mal damage induction in human lymphocytes exposed in vitro to neutrons from a Californium-252 isotopic source at very low dose rate, i.e. 0.001 Gy/min , at a dose range of 0 - 0.8 Gy (chronic radiation). SCGE assay, classical cytogenetics and FISH with whole painting probes for chromosomes 1 and 4, a nd pancentromeric probe were applied to investigate this problem. There is an increase in DNA damage and aberration frequency with dose of radiation. The analysis of the results revealed a linear dose-dependent response in th e whole investigated dose range both for DNA damage and chromosomal aberrat ions. The level of translocations observed is comparable with the frequenci es of dicentrics and rings.