Micronucleus frequency in cultured lymphocytes of an urban population.

The frequencies of micronuclei in cultured cytokinesis-blocked lymphocytes of an urban industrial population of 188 persons were determined. For the mean and SD, 16.0 +/- 7.

Computerized image analysis for determining micronucleus frequency.

A method for the computerized automation of micronucleus scoring is presented. The task is to identify the cultured, cytokinesis-blocked peripheral lymphocytes (CB cells) and their micronuclei (MN). The main parts of the hardware are the video camera attached to the microscope, the IBM-compatible personal computer with the video digitizer card, and the computer-controlled stage movement unit.

Using the micronucleus assay to detect genotoxic effects of metal ions.

The lymphocyte micronucleus assay was used to measure the average frequency of micronuclei in a population and thus assess genotoxic effects. Data from 174 persons give an average value of 16.4 +/- 7.