A study of the activity of rRNA gene of workers in a high-voltage laboratory
Mai, J.J.; Zhao, C.Y.; Tao, D.C.; Yang, F.H.; You, Q.C.; Pang, H.Q.; Long, Y.F.; Jiang, L.S.
Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 18(3): 245-247
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0257-7712 PMID: 2445646 Document Number: 305164
Human NORs are on the chromosomes of D and G group. THe genes coding for 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA are located on NORs. By using silver staining NORs (Ag-NOR), the NORs which have been activated and/or transcribed in the preceding interphase can be stained positively. This paper reports the activity of rRNA gene of workers who have been exposing to the discharges in a high voltage discharge laboratory. Peripheral blood was obtained from 13 exposed workers (7 males, 6 females) and from 13 non-exposed subjects (10 males, 3 females). Lymphocytes cultures and slide specimens were prepared according to standard methods. The specimens were stained by using Ag-staining technique. The mean number of Ag-NORs per cell in the specimens from exposed workers was 7.52 and that from the nonexposed subjects was 6.73. The difference between them was significant (P < 0.05). However there was no significant difference between the frequencies of Ag-AA of the two samples. The results suggest that the discharges may raise the activity of rRNA gene. The correlation between Ag-NOR and Ag-AA was discussed.