Nucleoplasmic bridges and tailed nuclei are signatures of radiation exposure in Oreochromis mossambicus using erythrocyte micronucleus cytome assay (EMNCA).

Gamma radiation-induced genetic perturbations in aquatic vertebrates is largely unknown at low-dose rate, especially in the wake of a nuclear disaster and/or other environmental outbreaks. Freshwater fish, Oreochromis mossambicus subjected to low-dose rate (2 mGy/min) at 2.5-, 5-, and 10-Gy doses, were analyzed for "exposure signatures" in blood samples drawn on days 3, 6, 12, 18, and 30, respectively. Significant dose-dependent increments in micronuclei frequency and other anomalies such as nucleoplasmic bridges and tailed nuclei were observed and exhibit a strong positive correlation, suggesting that they could be used as prospective signatures of radiation exposure. Similarly increased incidence of apoptosis and DNA repair machinery circuits at high and low doses were noted. This work highlighted "cytogenetic signatures" in fish and the sensitivity of these endpoints toward low-dose rate of radiation exposure.