Basic Radiation Biology
Basic Radiation Biology
PRESENTED BY: Martin L. Meltz, Ph.D. Chief, Radiobiology Group, Department of Radiation Oncology, and Director, Center for Environmental Radiation Toxicology University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio November 12, 2002
OBJECTIVES
The attendee will understand: That the cells in tissues are the primary element for radiation exposure leading to physiological harm That damage to the DNA in the cells can lead to cell death and physiological harm, mutation, and/or cancer That the initial events after the physical deposition of energy is the generation of free radicals That damage to the DNA is either direct, or through the indirect action of free radicals
OBJECTIVES (Cont.)
That cell killing, mutation, or cancer are all dose dependent, whether the source of radiation is internal or external That cell killing has a measurable threshold, and and the extent of cell killing increases with increasing dose (deterministic effect) That it is the risk of inherited mutation or cancer that increases with dose, and these all or none events will occur to some (but not everyone) in the exposed population as the dose to the population increases
Observable Biological Responses Secs, mins, hrs, days, weeks, months, years [Depending on the Biological Endpoint]
With all of these cellular components present, the main and most important molecule in the cell, with respect to ionizing radiation damage through either a direct interaction (hit) or the indirect effect of free radical generation, are the DNA MOLECULES in the nucleus The DNA is a very large molecule, with a backbone of two intertwined single strands of DNA Each strand is made up of repeating sugar molecules and phosphate groups Extending in the center of the strands are the four bases, which by their sequence, carry the genetic information of the cell
Specific Description
NECROSIS: Death of a contiguous (touching) field of cells Does not require energy; the contents of the cells leak into the surrounding tissue and blood supply CELL LYSIS: The cell simply bursts open, releasing its contents APOPTOSIS (or Programmed Cell Death): This type of death is under genetic control (specific genes must be present and active or inactive). It requires energy, and when the cells die, DNA fragments of specific sizes, and the contents of the cells, are encapsulated in membranes as small vesicles.
MAMMALIAN CELL SURVIVAL CURVE: The Effect of Lowering the Dose Rate
MAMMALIAN CELL SURVIVAL CURVE: The Effect of Radiations of Different Type and Linear Energy Transfer
SUMMARY
Exposure of cells to high doses of ionizing radiation can be expected to be harmful to the cells, and therefore to the body, either immediately or at later times after the exposure. Some protection is afforded by low dose rates Exposure of cells to low doses, and especially at low dose rates, is unlikely to result in obvious cell harm. However, continued exposure at even low dose rates to large numbers of people will increase the risk of such stochastic hazardous events as cancer and inherited mutation.
IMAGE SOURCES
American Cancer Society
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NSS, Inc.
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