Title: A model for low dose effects of low-LET radiation delivered at high dose rates

Authors: H. Schollnberger, R.D. Stewart, R.E.J. Mitchel

Addresses: Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria. ' Purdue University School of Health Sciences, West Lafayette, IN, USA ' Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Chalk River Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada

Abstract: In vitro studies show that protective tumour-reducing effects occur for low dose rates (mGy per minute). To account for these phenomena, we have previously developed stochastic and deterministic multi-stage cancer models that include radiation-induced adaptations in DNA repair processes and radical scavenging. Here, these models are extended to account for the induction of radioprotective mechanisms for low doses of low LET radiation delivered at high dose rates. Cellular adaptations in DNA repair are related to temporal changes in the amount of DNA damage in a cell. The combined effects of endogenous DNA damage, background radiation and artificial irradiation are considered.

Keywords: endogenous processes; high dose rate; low dose rates; radioprotective mechanisms; repair accuracy; low radiation; DNA repair; multi-stage cancer; modelling; background radiation; artificial irradiation; linear energy transfer radiation; LET radiation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLR.2006.012012

International Journal of Low Radiation, 2006 Vol.3 No.2/3, pp.135 - 142

Published online: 09 Jan 2007 *

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