Radiation Effects in Vivo: Molecular Aspects of Mammalian Radiobiology

Abstract

Data on relative biological effect (RBE) for several mammalian responses were converted into yields per trajectory passing. The relation between this yield and the linear energy transfer (LET) was analyzed using weak assumptions of target theory. The analysis showed that the data.presented cannot be fitted with any of the simple models of radiation action: single ionization, effective tail, and unlimited diffusion. The mechanism involved must be of a mixed type. A possible mechanism is proposed. It emphasizes the importance of healing of elementary structures rather than the occurrence of primary damage. (auth)