Abstract
In vitro assay systems for oncogenic transformation represent a powerful research tool because they are models for carcinogenesis in which the conditions of exposure can be manipulated and modified in a controlled manner. C3H 10T½ cells were used to compare the transformation incidence produced by gamma irradiation with high LET alpha particles. At equivalent doses, alpha particles were substantially more cytotoxic and more efficient than gamma rays in inducing oncogenic transformation. The calculated RBE ranged from 2.3 to 9 for the transformation frequencies examined. The assay system has also been used to investigate the apparent synergism between radiation and asbestos. Cells pretreated with asbestos fibres for 24 h and subsequently irradiated with 4 Gy of gamma rays produced significantly higher transformation frequencies than radiation or fibres alone. This more than additive interaction between environmental pollutants to which workers may be exposed, either concommitantly or sequentially, must be a matter of increasing concern in radiation protection.
Published Version
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