[Effect of free 5-bromodeoxyuridine on induction of SCE in human lymphocytes gamma-irradiated at the presynthetic stage of primary and secondary mitotic cycles].

Formation of SCE was studied in lymphocytes irradiated by 60Co gamma-rays at the G1 stage of the first or second mitotic cycles. The yield of SCEs induced by irradiation in the presence of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) proved to be significantly higher than that obtained in the absence of BrdU. The enhancing influence of BrdU on SCE induction depends on neither replication cycle nor the molecular constitution of chromosomes under irradiation. Direct modification of chromosomal radiosensitivity by BrdU is excluded. The results obtained suggest the interference of free BrdU present in culture medium with processes of DNA reparation at the G1 stage.