Study of the DNA Damage in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes Using Micronucleus Test in Residents of the Techa Riverside Villages Who Were Chronically Exposed in Utero and Postnatally

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the assessment of the frequency of the peripheral blood Т lymphocytes with micronuclei in Techa riverside residents who were chronically exposed in the 1950s. The study was performed 40–60 years after the onset of exposure. The exposed persons consisted of two groups: individuals who were first exposed in utero and then postnatally, and individuals who had only postnatal exposure. Cumulative dose to RBM in exposed persons varied within the range 0.001–4 Gy. A comparison group was also formed. It included individuals comparable in age, sex, and living conditions, but these people were not affected by accidental exposure. Findings of the study demonstrated that the frequency of lymphocytes with micronuclei was significantly higher in exposed women as compared to exposed men. The frequency of lymphocytes with micronuclei was significantly lower in those exposed in utero relative to the postnatally exposed persons and members of the comparison group. This decrease was observed both in women and in men. The study of the contribution of the cumulative dose to RBM revealed an increase in frequency of the lymphocytes with micronuclei in women exposed at doses of 0.1–0.49 Gy.