Detection and evaluation of chromosomal aberrations induced by high doses of gamma-irradiation using immunogold-silver painting of prematurely condensed chromosomes.

We developed a method for detecting chromosomal aberrations after irradiation with high doses of gamma-rays. At high dose levels, few of the irradiated cells are able to enter mitosis so that it is difficult to obtain enough mitotic chromosomes using a conventional colcemid block. Therefore, okadaic acid was used to condense prematurely the chromosomes of interphase cells. Even after irradiation with doses > 40 Gy, okadaic acid was able to force sufficient numbers of cells to condense their chromosomes. Segments of chromosomes were then detected by chromosome painting using a gold-conjugated antibody followed by silver enhancement. This simple method allows highly damaged chromosomes to be detected with great sensitivity.