A method for the selective beta-irradiation of individual lymphocyte microcultures and its application in a preliminary study of radiation sensitivity.

A method that permits high energy beta-irradiation to be applied to individual lymphocyte microplate cultures is described. The principle involves the introduction of single energy sources (in this case 32P) contained within tubes which rest inside wells containing the lymphocyte cultures. Cell viability and mitogen-induced transformation were studied under these conditions. Dose-response effects were clearly demonstrated. The method is simple and, provided the precautions described are adhered to, safe. It should be applicable to studies of radiation sensitivity of putative target cells in various clinical situations.