Selection against chromosome aberrations in human lymphocytes.

Abstract

THE frequency of chromosome aberrations in the lymphocytes of people who have been exposed to ionizing radiation decreases for many years, beginning some 2–3 weeks after irradiation, at a rate that depends on the type of aberration1,2. Differences in the rates at which the various types of aberration are eliminated are probably caused by differences in the selection against these aberrations at cell division. No data, however, have been reported on the probability that a given aberration in a human lymphocyte will survive cell division. In this communication we present such data obtained in vitro, together with some new data on the elimination of aberrations in vivo. The two sets of data suggest that the lymphocyte, when stimulated to divide in vivo, will undergo several successive divisions.