The cell dose concept; potential application in radiation protection

Abstract

The author draws attention to the holistic approach to studying responses evoked by the absorption of energy from ionising radiation. This can only be achieved through more recent concepts and measurements using microdosimetry. The emphasis is on the individual cell being an element within a tissue system on the one hand, and, on the other hand, being a system itself containing as elements a large number of different biochemical substrates, macromolecules and subcellular organelles. It is the energy deposition to individual cells that is the focus of attention in this holistic approach. Employing this cell dose concept allows the responses of the system following perturbation of its elements to be studied in terms of cell adaptations; these adaptations, which attempt to preserve the integrity of the system, include defence against toxic substrates, repair of damaged structures and replacement of lost elements. This approach promises to improve the risk assessment from exposure especially to low doses of ionising radiation and thus bears directly on the practice of radiation protection.