Chromosomal aberrations in blood lymphocytes of astronauts after long-term space flights

PURPOSE: To analyse lymphocyte chromosomes from astronauts of MIR and EUROMIR missions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral lymphocytes from seven astronauts before and after space flights were cultured and analysed for structural chromosomal aberrations. RESULTS: Chromosome-type but not chromatid-type aberrations were significantly elevated after space flights when compared to pre-flight values. In one astronaut two rogue cells were found. CONCLUSIONS: Overall the frequencies of aberrations were found to be correlated with estimated absorbed cosmic radiation doses.