Differential chromosomal radiosensitivity within the first G1-phase of the cell cycle of early-dividing human leukocytes in vitro after stimulation with PHA

Abstract

Human leukocyte cultures were irradiated with 200 R X-rays before the addition of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in the G₀-stage and at different times up to 25 h within the first G₁-phase of the cell cyle after the addition of PHA. The results of the analysis of chromosomal aberrations show that the frequencies of dicentric chromosomes increase significantly when leukocytes leave the G₀-stage, reaching a maximum yield of aberrations about halfway through the first G₁-phase. After that, toward the end of the G₁-phase, the frequencies of dicentric chromosomes decrease again, to a level similar to that found in the G₀-stage. Different possible explanations for the differential chromosomal radiosensitivity of human leukocytes within the first poststimulation G₁-phase are discussed.