Assessment of the role of microdosimetry in radiobiology

Journal Article · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Radiat. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3575816· OSTI ID:6703429

Goodhead, D T

A brief outline is given of the concepts of microdosimetry and the development of the theory of dual radiation action, which was proposed as the link between the physical properties of radiation (microdosimetry) and their biological effects. A good deal of experimental evidence was consistent with the theory in its original site model form, but there were also areas of significant disagreement. More recent experiments with ultrasoft x rays and beams of correlated ions have provided critical tests which have shown that the site model does not give an adequate description of the mechanism of radiation action. A large proportion, at least, of the radiation-induced lesions are produced by highly localized energy concentrations without the need for long-range interaction of sublesions. Attempts have been made to allow for such lesions within the original postulates of the theory of dual radiation action by development of the distance model or generalized formalism using a distance-dependent interaction probability. Some of the present limitations of this approach are discussed. An alternative hypothesis, involving dose-dependent repair acting directly upon the lesions, is described. A comparison is made between consequences of these two alternative approaches. The validity of the application of microdosimetric measurements to a variety of problems is considered.

• Research Organization: Medical Research Council Radiobiology Unit, Harwell, England
• OSTI ID: 6703429
• Journal Information: Radiat. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Radiat. Res.; (United States) Vol. 91:1; ISSN RAREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560111 -- Radiation Effects on Biochemicals-- In Vitro-- (-1987)
560121* -- Radiation Effects on Cells-- External Source-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMAL CELLS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL MODELS
BIOLOGICAL PATHWAYS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RECOVERY
BIOLOGICAL REPAIR
BIOLOGY
BIOPHYSICS
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
DOSIMETRY
ENERGY TRANSFER
LET
MICRODOSIMETRY
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOBIOLOGY
RADIOINDUCTION
RBE
RECOVERY
REPAIR
USES