High Radiosensitivity of the MOLT-4 Leukaemic Cell Line

Summary

Radiation survival of MOLT-4, a leukaemic T-lymphocyte cell line, was measured by counting colonies formed in 0·8 per cent methyl cellulose. The survival curve was a simple exponential and showed the cells to be radiation sensitive, with D₀ = 0·49 ± 0·02 Gy and extrapolation number n = 0·92 ± 0·09. No increase in survival as measured by colony-forming ability or trypan blue dye exclusion was seen when the dose was split into two fractions, separated by a 5 h incubation period. Electron microscopy and trypan blue dye exclusion showed that 5 h after exposure to high doses, MOLT-4 cells began to die and displayed condensed, marginated chromatin and cellular vesticulation.

• MOLT-4 cells
• T-lymphocytes
• leukaemia cells