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Title: Caffeine enhanced measurement of mutagenesis by low levels of [gamma]-irradiation in human lymphocytes

Journal Article · · Somatic Cell and Molecular Genetics; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01233247· OSTI ID:5012734
; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Eleanor Roosevelt Institute for Cancer Research, Denver, CO (United States)
  2. Univ. of Colorado Cancer Center, Denver, CO (United States)

The well-known action of caffeine in synergizing mutagenesis (including chromosome aberrations) of agents like ionizing radiation by inhibition of cellular repair processes has been incorporated into a rapid procedure for detection of mutagenicity with high sensitivity. Effects of 5-10 rads of [gamma]-irradiation, which approximate the human lifetime dose accumulation from background radiation, can be detected in a two-day procedure using an immortalized human WBC culture. Chromosomally visible lesions are scored on cells incubated for 2 h after irradiation in the presence and absence of 1.0 mg/ml of caffeine. An eightfold amplification of scorable lesions is achieved over the action of radiation alone. This approach provides a closer approximation to absolute mutagenicity unmitigated by repair processes, which can vary in different situations. It is proposed that mutagenesis testing of this kind, using caffiene or other repair-inhibitory agents, be employed to identify mutagens in their effective concentrations to which human populations may be exposed; to detect agents such as caffeine that may synergize mutagenic actions and pose epidemiologic threats; and to discover effective anti-mutagens. Information derived from the use of such procedures may help prevent cancer and newly acquired genetic disease.

OSTI ID:
5012734
Journal Information:
Somatic Cell and Molecular Genetics; (United States), Vol. 19:5; ISSN 0740-7750
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English