Genotoxic effects of 60Co gamma-rays on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cellular radiosensitivity and radiation-induced DNA damage and repair in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Cell survival after irradiation was assessed using the clonogenic assay. The initial, radio-induced and residual DNA damage in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells exposed to 60Co gamma-rays were determined using the alkaline comet assay. A linear-quadratic (LQ) survival curve was observed in CHO line. Data obtained by comet assay demonstrated a linear dose-response correlation in the range of tested doses (0.3-4 Gy). The process of DNA repair was modeled by exponential equation. In addition, we found a good correlation (R2 = 0.995) between clonogenic cell survival and radio-induced DNA damage