Survey of radiosensitivity in a variety of human cell strains.

TLDR

The study assayed gamma‑ray sensitivity for cell killing in 54 human cell strains, including those from individuals with heritable diseases. The results revealed a broad radiosensitivity range (Do 38–180 rads), with ataxia telangiectasia strains highly radiosensitive (mean 57 ± 15 rads) and the most radiosensitive skin fibroblasts identified, while strains from retinoblastoma, Fanconi’s anemia, progeria, and xeroderma pigmentosum exhibited intermediate or normal sensitivity, indicating no cross‑sensitivity between UV and gamma irradiation.

Abstract

gamma-Ray sensitivity for cell killing was assayed in 54 human cell strains, including some derived from individuals suffering from certain heritable diseases. The overall range of Do values in this study was 38 to 180 rads, indicating a considerable range of variability in humans. The normal sensitivity was described by a range of Do values of 97 to 180 rads. All ten ataxia telangiectasia cell strains tested proved radiosensitive and gave a mean Do value of 57 +/- 15 (S.E.) rads, and these represent the most radiosensitive human skin fibroblasts currently available. Representative cell strains from familial retinoblastoma, Fanconi's anemia, and Hutchinson-Gilford progeria occupied positions of intermediate sensitivity, as did one of two ataxia telangiectasia heterozygotes. Six xeroderma pigmentosum cell strains together with two Cockayne's syndrome cell strains (all known to be sensitive to ultraviolet light) fell into the normal range, indicating an absence of cross-sensitivity between ultraviolet light and gamma-irradiation.