Abstract
The RBE of α-particles in different mutations of Chinese hamster cells was determined with the aim of identifying differences in the sensitivity to x-ray and α-particle-induced DNA damage. Two parental lines of Chinese hamster cells and four radiosensitive mutants were irradiated with different single doses of x-rays and α-particles and clonogenic cell survival was determined. Radiosensitivity to x-rays varied by a factor of 5 between the cell strains whereas sensitivity to α-particle irradiation was almost identical among all strains. The RBE is only determined by the sensitivity of the cells towards x-rays. Since cells with different defects of repair or cell cycle control have different radiosensitivities, we conclude that the effects of x-ray irradiation and the RBE are mostly determined by the activity of repair processes.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 20 August 2000 / Accepted: 7 May 2001
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Zyuzikov, N., Prise, K., Zdzienicka, M. et al. The relationship between the RBE of alpha particles and the radiosensitivity of different mutations of Chinese hamster cells. Radiat Environ Biophys 40, 243–248 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004110100101
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004110100101