Purpose: To evaluate, using 10 cell lines, the already shown improved correlation between the sum of micronucleated plus apoptotic cells and reproductive cell death.
Materials and methods: The cell lines were X-irradiated with doses selected to obtain comparable survival levels. Micronucleated and apoptotic cells as well as abnormal cells (multinucleated and necrotic cells) were counted over several days. Apoptosis was also confirmed by gel electrophoresis.
Results: The data confirmed the already shown improved relationship over the solely performed micronucleus or apoptosis assays with reproductive cell death and radiation dose. However, even this approach revealed a saturation after irradiation in certain cell lines. Including other modes of cell death such as mitotic failure or necrosis could eliminate this effect.
Conclusion: Multiple parameters should be considered when evaluating the use of a predictive assay for ionizing radiation-induced cell killing or biological dosimetry.