ABSTRACT
We analysed the erythrocytes and lymphocytes with micronuclei of 3902 individuals living in 16 settlements in the west of the Altai region. It was found that the majority of individuals with high frequencies of micronucleated cells were in the settlements located near to the Semipalatinsk atomic proving ground. In particular, considerable cytogenetic alterations were found in individuals born during the period of intensive testing on the Semipalatinsk proving ground (from 1949 to 1962). The data we have obtained allow us to conclude that radiation damage of cytogenetic structures in the prenatal (predelivery) and early postnatal periods leading to the formation of micronuclei can remain in the human organism for decades and, perhaps, throughout life.
Subject(s)
Chromosome Aberrations , Erythrocytes/radiation effects , Micronucleus Tests , Radiation Injuries/epidemiology , Radioactive Fallout/adverse effects , T-Lymphocytes/radiation effects , Age Factors , Erythrocytes/cytology , Female , Humans , Male , Nuclear Warfare , Siberia/epidemiology , T-Lymphocytes/cytologyABSTRACT
We have carried out analysis of the number of blood erythrocytes and lymphocytes with micronuclei in the inhabitants of four settlements located near the place of the accident which happened at the atomic power station of the Siberian chemical plant (Tomsk-7) on April 6, 1993. In all cases, the people examined showed a considerable increase in the number of cells with micronuclei as compared with the control. We observed the same people for 2 years and found a gradual decrease in the number of cells with micronuclei. This study shows that people born between 1963-1970 have a much higher level of cells with micronuclei, which we tend to see as a result of the radiation accident at the Siberian chemical plant in 1963. The data we have obtained allow us to conclude that penetration of radionuclides into the human organism in the prenatal and early postnatal periods can lead to the formation of stable clones of erythroid cells with micronuclei and a higher level of erythrocytes with micronuclei which can remain in the blood for a long time.
