Modification of low dose of neutron induced chromosomal damage by pre and post irradiation of hyperthermia in human blood lymphocytes

Abstract

Background: It is believed that a few number of hypoxic cells in the center of tumors may survive after radiotherapy by X and Y-rays. Recently, application of neutron and compound radiation is the center of attention of radiotherapy modalities. Objective: To investigate the effect of hyperthermia on low dose of neutron induced chromosomal damage in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Methods: Each blood sample was separately exposed to hyperthermia, neutron radiation and radiation accompanying hyperthermia. Different type of damage was investigated after cell culture and chromosome analysis at metaphase stage. Findings: After harvesting and staining, chromosomal aberrations were scored for each specimen. Results indicated that hyperthermia at 41.5°C does not induce chromosomal damage but at 43°C, high frequency of damages were observed (P