Natl. Inst. Radiol. Sci. Ann. Rept. (NRIS—10. 1971)

stored in the punched paper tape for retrospective
studies. The original image stored in the disc is then
processed into an intelligent pattern for visual interpretation by means of smoothing and restoration,
and displayed on CRT, line printer or curve plotter

(Fig. 8). The above procedures are also programmed

in an on-line mode so that all instructions are in-

normal person.

2. The frequency: of stable and unstable chromosome abnormalities was remarkable high. Compared
with that of a normal person, the frequency of

stable cells was 10-20 times higher, and fairly constant in each annual examination.
According to these results it was suggested that

ifated at the keyboard of the input-output type-

an intimate correlation might exist between chromo-

writer equipped in the scanning room. The viewer is

some aberration rate and the externally irradiated
dose of each person. This correlation was examined
on the findings of 1969 survey. The aberration rate

allowed to choose any image processing technique
employed in program and to repeat the display until

he finds the best one to be photographed for
diagnosis. These highspeed versatile functions offer
the physicians many additional diagnostic information which cannot be obtained by the conventional
methods. Details will be soon published.

Chromosome Abnormalities of Japanese Fishermen
Exposed to Fallout Radiation in 1954

Toshiyuki Kumatori, Takaaki Ishihara, Sei-ichi Kohno
and Machiko Inaba

Twentythree Japanese fishermen were exposed to
fallout radiation in the Pacific Ocean on March 1,

1954. The fishermen were irradiated externally from
the radioactive materials deposited on the boat, in-

ternally from those matenals which entered various

used was that of the stable cells. 300 cells on an

average were observed in each case for the calcula-

tion of the rate. As shown in Fig. 9 the close correlation between stable cells percentage and external
doses were proved (P<0.01). In addition a similar
close relationship existed between these aberration
rates and minimum values of neutrophils, which
were observed at the critical stage (4~7 weeks after
exposure) and almost corresponded to the severity
of acute radiation syndrome of each fishermen. Fig.
10 shows this relationship (P<0.01).
Although the significance of chromosome ab-

days, nearly 60% of which was received on the first
day. The external irradiation seems to have taken an
important role in their radiation syndrome.

Follow-up studies on the fishermen have been
performed on an annual basis by the authors. Number of persons examined in each year were 15—18,
which corresponded to about 70-80% of exposed
fishermen.
The cytogenetical studies have been continued
since 1964. The chromosome analyses were done by
the culture method of peripheral blood. At first we
did 72 hrs. culture, but since the 1966 examina-

tions, 2 days culture has been adopted. The results

of chromosome analyses are summarized as follows;

1. The frequency of aneuploid cells was 2—3%,
which was not so high compared with that of a
220

ot

alt

normalities should be elucidated by further follow-

up studies, it is noted that the examination of
chromosome abnormalities is valuable for the risk
estimation of radiation exposed persons.
(Unpublished)

organs and by those that adhered to the body surface. Although the estimation of exposed dose was
very difficult, the external gamma radiation dose of
each person was inferred as 170-690 R for 14

at

%
5
ros 0.58

> 4

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24

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=
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38

DOSE DURING 2 WEEKS

ESTIMATED ExteRNAL DosesR)

Fig. 9. Correlation between chromosome aberrations (Cs
cells) and estimated external doses.

a.

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