Effect of Radiation and Contrast Media on Chromosomes

Abstract

Measurements of chromosome aberrations or micronuclei in lymphocytes obtained from 7 patients indicate that angiocardiography produced chromosome damage corresponding to an average absorbed dose of about 50 rads. This is an order of magnitude larger than was estimated from the exposure rate. Experiments on lymphocytes suspended in solutions of methylglucamine and sodium diatrizoate (Renografin) or sodium diatrizoate alone (Hypaque) indicate that the chromosome damage observed in the patients is due in large part to two effects: (a) an increased absorption of x rays as compared to blood and (b) a breakage of chromosomes even in the absence of x rays.